Some people race cars, others collect stamps or sew, but Tauranga teacher Matthew Thomas’ hobby involves creating applications for computer giant Apple.
He has written three applications designed to improve children’s literacy and maths skills which the computer company has picked up.

Matthew Thomas combined his desire to learn and a passion for teaching to help him create applications for Apple. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Two of the applications, ‘100th Board’ and ‘Numbers zero to nine’ can only be used on the iPad and the third application ‘Running record checker’, can be used on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.  
Matthew, who teaches at Selwyn Ridge School in Welcome Bay, says anyone can submit an application programme for Apple to consider once they become a registered developer, which costs about $99US a year.
“As long as you stick to the rules, they work and do something, then they will accept them,” says Matthew.
When it is approved, Apple upload it to their iTunes store where people can purchase Matthew’s applications, which range in price from $99 cents to $2.59.
He sells an average of five applications every day and has sold 677 copies in the past 26 weeks.
“In terms of iPhone apps, that’s nothing. It’s like a drop in the bucket.”
Matthew says he is yet to see a cheque from Apple and even when it does arrive, he won’t be giving up his day job.
When one of his applications sell, Apple gets 30 per cent and Matthew gets 70 per cent, but the IRS and IRD also take a share.
“It’s not like I’m making money out of this at all, but I’m hoping to get my $99 a year back.”