NetHui South conference – dates announced

NetHui South conference – dates announced

Media release – 2 October 2012

InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) is pleased to announce that it will hold its first ever regional Internet conference – dubbed NetHui South – at Dunedin’s Otago University and Otago Museum on 23rd and 24th November 2012. Costing a low $40 inclusive of GST, registrations will open later this week at www.nethui.org.nz.

InternetNZ Chief Executive Vikram Kumar describes NetHui South as an Internet conference with a distinctly South Island flavour. In common with its parent (national) NetHui conference, the defining feature of NetHui South lies in its community-led and participatory nature, he says.

“The two national NetHui conferences so far have shown a real interest in people getting together to talk about the economic, social and cultural opportunities the Internet provides New Zealand. Additionally, the overarching theme of ‘Shaping Our Future Together’ includes addressing the varied and complex challenges from the Internet. NetHui South will further evolve this effort to connect local Internet issues to the international context, providing a platform for involving and engaging local communities,” he says.

“As well as people who’ve participated in a NetHui conference before, I hope that those living in the South Island will welcome and support NetHui South. Successfully addressing Internet issues really needs the views and active participation of the wider community.”

Day One is a half day focus on South Island Internet issues. This will include the digital strategies of Dunedin, activities of the Digital Office and other South Island digital initiatives. In addition, Day One features a wide-ranging discussion on Business & Innovation.

Day Two propels these discussions into the global sphere, with multiple conference streams including Education, Society and Culture, Internet Governance, and Globalisation and the Law. Roundtable discussions will be complemented by keynotes and panel discussions.

Bringing together everyone involved with Internet issues, the NetHui concept is based on the format of multi-stakeholder collaboration successfully introduced by the global Internet Governance Forum.

Stuart Dillon-Roberts, who leads the Dunedin Digital Office, says "It is a great privilege to be holding the first regional NetHui in Dunedin. This is an exciting opportunity to discuss Dunedin's Digital Strategy and explore how digital initiatives can be developed to benefit our communities and enable new business opportunities in the South Island. We look forward to welcoming NetHui South to the City."
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