Wednesday 10th Sept
NZRise pleased with evolution of ICT Policies
NZRise is pleased with how political parties are developing their ICT policies but cautions they need a long term effort
from Government to put them in place.
Don Christie Co-Chair of NZRise said "The policies show how the awareness and importance of the sector has grown in the
last 3 years."
Many of the policies by the parties align with the values that NZRise has been advocating; growing the digital
technology sector, promoting open standards, supporting local industry through government procurement, and bringing new
digital talent into the workforce.
NZRise is also pleased to see discussions developing on the role of Government wide technology strategy and up-skilling
of government branches.
The ICT sector has the potential to drive the weightless economy of New Zealand through software exports and provide
well paid jobs for New Zealanders. NZRise questioned the major parties and Christie says "I think it is fair to say that
we have had comprehensive and serious responses from across the political spectrum" The procurement policies of the
Labour and Green parties recognises the role of Government spending on local businesses as a driver of sector success.
Most parties support the need for open standards and open source software with National recognising the need for systems
to interoperate and not tied to individual vendors.
The Māori Party has placed strong emphasis on engaging Māori with ICT. Other parties have policies to educate and create
the next generation of digital workers, through apprenticeships and career pathways. Christie says "we see real focus on
the need to educate the next generation of digital technologist".
The Green party has produced a policy supporting the game development industry which is already an $80million industry
and growing. The Internet Party has policies around cheaper Internet access.
NZRise recognises there is considerable work to make these policies reality but the responses give real confidence that
progress is underway.
The questions and answers can are on - http://nzrise.org.nz/news/party-policy-questions/ and are updated as parties
release policies before the election.
About NZRise
NZRise exists to ensure the global competitiveness of the New Zealand IT industry.
It is the first organisation to represent Kiwi owned and operated digital technology businesses. NZRise strongly
represents the interests of New Zealand-owned IT companies.
As owner-operators of successful IT businesses, our members have the passion, vigilance, and long-term interest in the
success of the industry to a level that cannot be matched by those that are stewards of businesses owned by others.
Having demonstrated their entrepreneurship and commitment by establishing their businesses, NZRise's members are
uniquely positioned to work with government entities, associations, and private industry, all aiming to grow the NZ IT
sector into one of international renown.
Current co-chairs are Paul Ramsay of Equinox IT and Don Christie, Director of Catalyst IT who have been working with
many other business leaders over the past years.
It is a non-profit New Zealand incorporated society.