TUANZ to lead New Zealand business into new age of digital connectivity
Building on 30 years of representing telecommunications users, TUANZ is setting out in a new strategic direction to
ensure New Zealanders can make the most of the digitally connected world.
TUANZ’ vision is to work collaboratively with industry and government to make sure that by 2020 New Zealand is among the
top ten countries for business use of digital technology.
TUANZ Chair Pat O’Connell says TUANZ has always been and will remain an independent and professional organisation that
represents the interests of the users of digital technology.
“Our role will continue to be to put the business user at the centre of industry and government decision making in a
sector that is going to define our economy for the foreseeable future”, says O’Connell.
“Digital technology and connectivity are the defining opportunities of the modern era, and throughout New Zealand we
need to inform, educate and support businesses to raise their digital competency and take advantage of the opportunity
in the digital economy.”
The telecommunications and technology industries are undergoing a period of rapid change, with the government’s
investment in Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) and the Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI), its Green Paper on digital
convergence, and the ongoing review of the Telecommunications Act.
O’Connell says that the moment is right to make decisions and put in place structures that will ensure New Zealand has a
telecommunications and technology industry that is focused on delivering users exceptional service and support through
fair and sustainable competition.
“TUANZ’ role is to help everyday New Zealand businesses – the users of digital connectivity – to get their needs and
interests in front of industry and government, with a focus on achieving outcomes which will see our members’ businesses
succeed”, said O’Connell.
“New Zealanders deserve ubiquitous and high-quality connectivity across the country. Our opportunity is to provide
decision makers in industry and government with informed, credible and independent advice on what business users expect
to get out of their investment in digital technology.”
TUANZ members welcome new direction
Downer New Zealand has congratulated TUANZ on its new strategic direction, saying that it has an important role in
helping all businesses become informed and educated about the potential of digital technology.
“As a member of TUANZ Downer strongly supports its vision to see New Zealand ranked among the top ten countries in the
world for business use of digital technology, says Mike Maunsell, Director – Network Operations at Downer.
New Zealand’s investment in digital infrastructure through the UFB and RBI programmes has been a great first step in
making it possible for businesses to unlock the value of digital connectivity, says Mike.
“It is vital that the users of digital technology, from large businesses like Downer, through to the smallest rural SME
have a voice in this sector, and that is a role which we believe TUANZ will expertly fulfil.”
ENDS