NZCS Names Team bringing ICT Certification to New Zealand
PRESS RELEASE – NZ Computer Society Inc.
16 April 2008
For Immediate Release
The New Zealand Computer Society (NZCS) today announced the team of high profile individuals who will be working to
bring internationally-recognised professional certification to New Zealand’s ICT Sector.
The NZCS is working to actively address many of the issues currently facing New Zealand’s ICT profession such as the ICT
skills shortage, significant reduction in students choosing an ICT degree and low perception of ICT as a career amongst
many of the country’s youth. One of the initiatives being undertaken is the implementation of internationally-recognised
vendor and technology-neutral professional certification.
NZCS President Don Robertson today said “Bringing internationally-recognised ICT certification to New Zealand will be a
collaborative effort by many players involved with ICT both in New Zealand and through our international kindred
partners. We’re very excited about the team we’ve assembled to make this happen.”
“The first step to addressing the many issues faced by New Zealand’s ICT profession is ensuring New Zealanders have the
opportunity enjoyed by ICT professionals in other countries (now or shortly) to benchmark their professional
development”, Robertson said.
The Certification working group will be chaired by NZCS President Don Robertson, and also includes:
- Dave Cowman, NZCS Deputy President;
- Paul Matthews, NZCS Chief Executive;
- Janet Mazenier, well known ICT advocate and previously the NZ Digital Strategy Programme Manager for the Ministry of
Economic Development;
- Craig Pattison, immediate past Global Director of Certifications and Qualifications for the IT Service Management
Forum;
- Steve MacDonell, Professor of Software Engineering at AUT;
- Peter Cornelius, ITO Service Delivery Consultant at HP with extensive experience with industry certification (as a
trainer and participant).
“The team we’ve assembled have the experience, skills, and reputation to ensure this project is a success”, Robertson
said. “We’re looking forward to getting underway and actively dealing with some of the fundamental issues preventing ICT
and general business growth in New Zealand.”
ENDS
NOTE: A short profile of Working Group members is attached.