Registrations open for NZ's largest Internet conference

Registrations open for New Zealand’s largest Internet conference

Media Release – 14 March 2012

InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) is pleased to announce that registrations for New Zealand’s largest and most inclusive Internet-related conference are now open.

NetHui 2012 – Shaping our Future Together is being held at Auckland’s SkyCity Convention Centre from 11 – 13 July. Registrations cost a low $40 including GST and can be made at www.nethui.org.nz . People interested in participating are encouraged to register as early as possible to avoid missing out as the conference is expected to fill up quickly.

An anticipated 500 people will meet for three days of collaborative, community-led discussions on the impact of the Internet and how it is influencing and shaping our society.

All sectors and communities with an interest in the Internet are strongly encouraged to attend NetHui and participate in the packed programme – there will be approximately 36 discussion and education sessions, keynote addresses at the start of each day, and an open topic ‘Un-Conference’ on the third afternoon.

Panel sessions on important Internet issues will discuss the digital divide, open government, and making the most of economic and creative opportunities online. Discussion sessions will include digital copyright, the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, Internet accessibility and human rights, online safety and security, online health services, the future of education, empowering artists and content producers and more.

In addition, NetHui 2012 will be video-streamed online , enabling an extended local and global community to participate.

The conference will be officially opened by Auckland Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse. Further keynote speaker announcements will be made as confirmed. .

InternetNZ Chief Executive Vikram Kumar says as well as strengthening the successful features of the inaugural NetHui last year, a number of significant improvements have been made to this year’s programme, aimed at enhancing people’s conference experience.

“Panel and open mic sessions have been reinvigorated and a stream of ‘get to know the basics’ sessions have been added to help interested participants to widen their understanding of Internet-related topics. There are even more networking opportunities and we are working with other groups to bring some great associated events targeting innovation and creativity.”

Events planned so far around NetHui 2012 include a Creative Commons Aotearoa meet up, the Orcon Great Blend creative event and a one-day technical infrastructure conference. In addition, InternetNZ will use this opportunity to hold its Annual General Meeting in Auckland for the first time.

Global IT giant Microsoft has thrown its weight behind NetHui 2012, as Platinum sponsor. Google is again a Gold sponsor along with online marketplace TradeMe. National fibre provider FX Networks is a Silver sponsor, and with Citylink will be supplying ultra-fast wireless connectivity for participants. Online publisher Scoop is also a Silver sponsor.

TelstraClear is sponsoring the Safety and Security discussion stream. Catalyst IT is sponsoring the Education stream. Bronze sponsors include CityLink, Farmside, Agile Integration, the Ministry of Economic Development, Orcon, Web Drive and Open Systems Specialists.

There is also significant support for NetHui from community organisations including NZCID, NZICT, Crown Fibre Holdings, REANNZ, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, NetSafe, the New Zealand Computer Society, 2020 Communications Trust, Creative Commons, CORE Education, ALGIM, Consumer NZ and the New Zealand Institute.

NetHui 2012 is again assisted by a strong Advisory Board consisting of District Court Judge David Harvey, Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff, Maori Internet Society Chair Richard Orzecki, Consumer NZ CEO Sue Chetwin, TradeMe Operations Head Mike O’Donnell, and Digital Media Consultant Karaitiana Taiuru.

“NetHui has caught the imagination of the wider community wanting to deal with Internet issues through discussion and collaboration,” says Vikram Kumar. “This is a superb opportunity for people to get involved and take part in a genuine free and frank cross-sector discussion of the Internet and the myriad of social and economic issues it throws up.”

About InternetNZ
InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) is the non-profit, open membership organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting the Internet in New Zealand and fostering a coordinated, cooperative approach to its ongoing development.
www.internetnz.net.nz

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