28 June 2004
A challenging year ahead for NGI-NZ Society
NGI-NZ Society is looking forward to a busy and challenging year helping to secure the future of advanced networking in
New Zealand, Chairman Neil James said following the Society’s AGM in Wellington.
The Society, through the concerted efforts of its Board, active membership and CEO Tone Borren, had made significant
steps towards a next generation network in the past 12 months. The future of that network was now certain with the
Government’s recent announcement of the Advanced Network for Research and Education.
“The work done by the Society in the past year to 18 months should not be underestimated, and we are confident that 2004
is the year of the advanced network.”
Neil James announced that Tone Borren would be stepping down as CEO of the Society. Simon Riley, Director of Net Impact
and current NGI-NZ Society secretary, would take on the role of acting CEO on a part-time basis.
Tone Borren had completed the task he was appointed to, said Neil James. “Before the active involvement of the
Government, Tone was out there pushing advanced networking onto people’s agendas, and getting engagement from the
telecommunications community.
“He was at the helm of the original Consortium and saw that organisation successfully formed into an Incorporated
Society. He also oversaw a very successful speaker programme, organised in conjunction with New Zealand Trade and
Enterprise, that has brought overseas expertise in advanced networks to New Zealand shores in recent months.
“On behalf of the NGI-NZ Board and membership, I would like to thank Tone very much for his major contribution to
helping to move us closer to an advanced network,” said Neil James.
The Society would be continuing to work closely with the Government network implementation team. With a growing
membership, the Society provided strong representation of the advanced network users. It also maintained the
international relationships (with Internet2, for example) that were vital for New Zealand scientists, researchers and
innovators.
“We will continue to work hard in these areas, in the promotion and facilitation of capability building, and through
publicising the importance of advanced networks to New Zealand’s future knowledge society.”
ENDS