Formation of New Zealand IPv6 Task Force

Formation of New Zealand IPv6 Task Force
Media Release 16 November 2009

New Zealand is poised to accelerate implementation of the next generation Internet protocol, IPv6, with the formation of the New Zealand IPv6 Task Force, aligned with the global IPv6 Forum. The work of the Task Force will be driven by impending exhaustion of existing IPv4 addressing and the associated risk and additional cost that this is expected to impose.

The New Zealand IPv6 Task Force will assume and expand on the work of the NZ IPv6 Steering Group, an across-industry group convened by independent consultant Dr Murray Milner and supported by the Ministry of Economic Development and InternetNZ. The Task Force work revolves around a multi-stakeholder approach with solid participation and sponsorship from telecommunications suppliers and technology integrators. InternetNZ supports the Task Force through sponsorship and provision of secretariat support.

The formation of the Task Force follows from the highly successful New Zealand IPv6 Hui held by the Steering Group in August, which was targeted at ICT corporate and industry executives and held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch over three days.

Dr Milner says "The Hui was very well attended and we came away with a thorough understanding of the work required. The New Zealand IPv6 Task Force will provide a platform for an extensive Action Plan that is already in development. This will include further IPv6 events, development of training and education options, and assisting IPv6 implementation planning within the necessary sectors of the New Zealand economy."

"It is anticipated that a national IPv6 Hui will become an annual event. Connections are also being established at management and technical levels with relevant sector groups to ensure comprehensive planning for IPv6 issues across New Zealand business and government.

The IPV6 Hui identified technical training as a key priority and steps are underway to identify and coordinate training resources. The Task Force is about to begin a new series of the successful IPv6 Technical Workshops. The first will be occur in Auckland in December, while it is expected other centres will be covered in Q1 2010. InternetNZ is handling registrations - see www.ipv6.org.nz

Dr Milner says that by joining the global IPv6 Forum the Task Force is well placed to tap into an extensive knowledge base and global connections to ensure New Zealand is amongst leading countries in adopting IPv6. A Trust is being established to coordinate industry sponsorship and funding support for the New Zealand IPv6 Task Force.

The mission of the global IPv6 Forum is to "advocate IPv6 by dramatically improving technology, market, and deployment user and industry awareness of IPv6, creating a quality and secure new Generation Internet and allowing world-wide equitable access to knowledge and technology, embracing a moral responsibility to the world."

ENDS

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