About Control Shift
Real people. Real support.
No disappearing acts.
We’re a dedicated WordPress team based in Auckland, New Zealand. We build websites properly, host them securely, and stick around to keep them running. Because that’s what a good partner does.
Caption: We are based on level 4 of the Smith & Caughey Building in Auckland CBD
Our Story
Started in a basement. Been levelling up ever since.
Control Shift started in 2018 when two Kiwi cousins launched a web development business from a basement in Auckland. They’d both worked in environments where people didn’t get treated well, and wanted to build something different. A business where trust mattered, communication was clear, and clients always knew where to find you.
What began as StockTim grew into Control Shift in 2021, a rebrand that better reflected the precision and intentionality behind everything we build. As the business evolved, so did the team. One of the co-founders eventually moved overseas to pursue a different path.
Today, Control Shift is led by Paul Stockton and is more focused than ever. We’ve refined our services, built a team of talented specialists, and put proper systems in place, all so our clients get the service and reliability they deserve. The vision remains the same: to be the most trusted WordPress partner in New Zealand.
The Journey So Far
The making of Control Shift
Where it all began
Two cousins, two old laptops, one mission: be the kind of web company that actually sticks around. StockTim launches in Auckland.
Word starts to spread
The business grows through referrals and repeat clients. Agencies start coming to us for WordPress builds they can rely on.
Rebranded to Control Shift
A new name to better reflect the technical precision behind the work and a sharper focus on WordPress.
Queen Street, Auckland CBD
A professional home base in the heart of the city and managed hosting growth as clients see the value of stable platforms.
Full ownership, sharper focus
Paul takes full ownership and narrows the focus to what we do best: WordPress. No more Shopify, no more patchwork projects. Just quality WordPress websites, managed hosting, and proper support.
The next chapter
A new website, a refined team, and a clear focus: quality WordPress, built on strong relationships.
Meet the Founder
Paul Stockton
Paul’s been in technology his whole career. After studying Computer and Networking Engineering, he worked his way from IT support through to System Engineer, managing enterprise infrastructure and servers across New Zealand and Australia.
At 29, he started Control Shift to combine that technical foundation with the kind of service he always wished he’d received as a customer. Over the past eight years, he’s built hundreds of WordPress sites himself and knows the platform inside out. That hands-on development experience means nothing gets past him during quality control, and when something needs fixing fast, he can jump in and sort it personally.
Today, Paul leads the business and the development team rather than building every site himself. Having done the work for years, he knows exactly what good looks like and holds every build to that standard. For Paul, the best part of the job isn’t the code, it’s the relationships. He genuinely enjoys getting to know every client and partner he works with, and believes that personal connection is what turns a good service into a great experience.
8+
Years in Business
IT
Engineering Background
NZ
Born in SA, Kiwi at Heart
Working with us
Built with care, every step of the way.
We handle the WordPress development, and work alongside a network of trusted specialists for everything else your project needs.
Auckland Based
Based in the heart of Auckland CBD, we’re always available for face-to-face meetings, quick calls, and the kind of responsive service you’d expect from a local partner.
Development Team
Approved designs are turned into pixel-perfect, high-performance WordPress sites. Every build is quality-controlled by Paul to ensure it meets our standards.
Trusted Partners
We work alongside designers, digital marketers, SEO specialists, content writers, photographers, and videographers we’ve built long-standing relationships with across Auckland.
What We Stand For
Our values.
These aren’t just words on a wall. They shape every decision we make and every interaction you’ll have with us.
01
Reliability
One of the most common things we hear about web developers is that they’re excellent magicians. They keep doing disappearing acts on their clients. Not us. We’re a dedicated team with a dedicated office. You’ll always know where to find us.
02
Integrity
We stand by the words “do what you say you’re going to do.” And if something stops us, we’ll go above and beyond to rectify the situation. No excuses, no finger-pointing. Just honest communication.
03
Honesty
No one likes a fibber. We pride ourselves on staying true to our word and giving you the real picture, even when it’s not what you want to hear. You’ll always know where you stand with us.
04
Friendship
This one is extremely important to us. Over the years, we haven’t just formed business relationships. We’ve built real, lasting friendships. We genuinely care about our clients and the people we work with.
Proudly based in Auckland, New Zealand
Real people, in a real office, in your timezone. We’re local, we’re accessible, and we’re here when you need us.
New Zealand's WordPress Specialists
Built around clarity, consistency, and trust.
We don’t try to be everything to everyone. We focus on what we’re genuinely great at, say no to work that doesn’t fit, and make sure every project gets the attention it deserves.
This discipline is what keeps our hosting reliable, our builds consistent, and our support fast. It also means when we take on your project, we’re fully committed.
WordPress Only
One platform, done properly. We go deep on WordPress so you get genuine expertise, not surface-level knowledge.
Hosted With Us
We build and host your site so we can guarantee performance, security, and support quality. Everything under one roof.
Trusted Partners
We focus on WordPress development. For design, SEO, content, photography, and marketing, we work alongside trusted specialists we’ve collaborated with for years.
Easy Support Requests
Submit a request whenever you need a hand and we'll be in touch. A full support portal with tracking and history is coming soon, but for now, all requests come straight to a real person.
Need help beyond the website?
We work alongside trusted designers, marketers, content writers, and photographers across Auckland. Ask us and we’ll connect you with the right people.
Reviews
5-star rated on Google, here's why
Control Shift are always amazing to deal with, with expertise second-to-none. Having worked with them for years, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone who’s looking to up their web game. Nothing is ever too difficult, and they’re great at explaining technical topics in ways that are easy-to-grasp.
“Alex Clark
The Caretakers
I’ve been using Paul and the team at Control Shift for a number of years now – for their exceptional hosting and tech services and also to have the websites I design, developed into working sites. I’ve consistently been impressed on all fronts, as have my clients.
“Tim Kavermann
Fuel Media
So stoked with Control Shift, they have been incredibly generous with their time and support while we’ve been getting our website right. They’ve shown a lot of patience and care throughout the process, and the end result looks awesome. Really appreciate their flexibility and the extra effort they’ve put in to help us out.
“Luke Burrows
Wise Boys