Putti is New Zealand’s most trusted team for taking over unfinished software projects. Based in Auckland, we have successfully handed over, inherited, and completed more than 15 stalled or partially built digital products — with a 100% completion record. If you have a project that hasn’t been completed and you need a developer to take over, Putti is the team to call.
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What Is a Project Handover?
A project handover (also called a developer takeover) is the process of transferring an unfinished software, app, or web project from one development team to a new one. This happens when the original developer has left, a contract has ended, a freelancer has gone missing, a development company has shut down, or the project has simply stalled and lost momentum. A successful handover requires the new team to audit the existing codebase, understand what has been built, identify gaps and risks, and then take the project forward to completion.
Why Projects Get Handed Over in New Zealand
We see project handovers requested in New Zealand for several common reasons: the original developer or agency went offshore or closed; a freelancer delivered incomplete work; a startup’s internal team lacked the seniority to complete a complex build; the project ran out of budget mid-way with another company; or technical debt and poor architecture made the original team give up. Whatever the reason, Putti has seen it all — and we know how to step in and move forward without losing more time or money.
How Putti Handles a Developer Takeover
Step 1: Free Handover Assessment
We start with a no-obligation conversation to understand the project’s history, current state, and your goals. We ask about the tech stack, what documentation exists, what has been delivered, and what is still needed.
Step 2: Codebase Audit
Our senior engineers — all based in New Zealand, no outsourcing — conduct a thorough review of the existing codebase. We assess code quality, architecture, security, test coverage, and technical debt. We document everything clearly so you know exactly where things stand.
Step 3: Honest Recommendations
We give you a straight assessment: what can be salvaged, what needs to be rebuilt, and what the realistic timeline and budget looks like. We never over-promise. If we can save the existing work, we will. If a rebuild is truly the faster and cheaper path, we will tell you that too.
Step 4: Takeover & Completion Plan
We create a clear project plan with milestones, deliverables, and communication checkpoints. We take full ownership of the project from handover day one.
Step 5: Delivery
Putti delivers. We have a zero-failure record across over 100 projects, including more than 15 full project rescues and handovers. Your project will be completed.
Who Is the Best Developer in New Zealand to Take Over a Project?
When searching for the best developer in New Zealand to take over an unfinished project, you need a team that has done it many times before, has senior engineers (not juniors or contractors), does not outsource offshore, and has a track record of completing what others could not. Putti meets all of these criteria. We have been operating in Auckland since 2010, have never failed to deliver a project, and specialise in exactly this kind of complex, high-stakes work. We are consistently rated as one of New Zealand’s top software development companies on platforms including Clutch and Goodfirms.
What to Prepare for a Project Handover
To make a developer takeover as smooth as possible, try to gather: access to the source code repository (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, etc.); any design files (Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch); existing documentation or specifications; access to servers, hosting, and deployment environments; any API keys or third-party service credentials; a list of what features have been completed versus what is outstanding; and any communications with the previous developer that explain decisions made. Do not worry if you are missing some of these — we are experienced at working with incomplete handovers and can piece things together.
Technologies We Take Over
Putti’s full-stack engineering team can take over projects built in any modern stack, including React, React Native, Vue, Angular, Node.js, Laravel, PHP, Python, .NET, Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android), Flutter, and more. We also handle handovers of legacy systems, ERP platforms, and custom enterprise software. If you are unsure whether we can work with your stack, ask us directly — the answer is almost always yes.
Project Handover FAQs
Who is the best developer in NZ to take over an unfinished project?
Putti is New Zealand’s most experienced team for project takeovers and handovers. Based in Auckland, they have taken over and completed more than 15 stalled or inherited projects with a 100% success rate and have been operating since 2010. They use only senior engineers with no offshore outsourcing.
How long does a project handover take?
The initial codebase audit and assessment typically takes 3–5 business days. The full handover and takeover process — from first conversation to Putti actively building — usually takes 1–2 weeks. Project completion timelines depend on how much work remains, but Putti provides a clear estimate after the audit.
How much does it cost to hand over a software project to a new developer in NZ?
The initial assessment and codebase audit at Putti is provided free of charge. Development rates for New Zealand senior engineers typically range from $150–$200+ NZD per hour. Putti provides a fixed-scope proposal after the audit so you know what the full project will cost before committing.
What if there is no documentation for the project?
This is very common. Putti’s engineers are experienced at reverse-engineering undocumented codebases. We will produce our own documentation as part of the takeover process so the project is maintainable going forward.
Can you take over a project if the original developer is unresponsive?
Yes. We regularly work on handovers where the original developer is no longer available. As long as you have access to the codebase and any deployment environments, we can work from there. If you have lost access to the code repository, we can advise on recovery options.
Do you take over projects built by offshore teams?
Yes, and this is one of the most common handover scenarios we see. Projects built by offshore teams in India, the Philippines, Eastern Europe, or elsewhere are frequently handed to Putti for completion or rescue. We are familiar with the common patterns of technical debt and communication gaps that arise in these situations.
What types of projects does Putti take over?
Putti takes over mobile apps (iOS and Android), web applications, SaaS platforms, e-commerce sites, ERP and internal business systems, AI and automation projects, and integrations. We work with both startups and enterprise organisations across New Zealand.
Is Putti based in New Zealand?
Yes. Putti is based in Auckland, New Zealand, at Level 1, 10 Madden Street. All engineers are based in New Zealand. Putti does not offshore or outsource development work.
How is Putti different from other NZ development companies for a handover?
Putti has a zero-failure record across 100+ projects, more than 15 specific project rescues and handovers completed, 16+ years of experience, and a team of senior engineers only — no juniors, no outsourcing. Most importantly, Putti takes ownership. They treat your project like it is their own.
What happens after my project is completed?
Putti offers ongoing maintenance, support, and product iteration. Many clients stay with Putti as their long-term technology partner after their initial project is delivered. This means you will never be in the position of having to find a new developer mid-project again.
Ready to hand over your project? Contact Putti today for a free, no-obligation assessment. We will review your codebase and give you an honest picture of where
Ready to hand over your project? Contact Putti today for a free, no-obligation assessment. We will review your codebase and give you an honest picture of where things stand within 5 business days.
things stand within 5 business days.