2020 Trust and InternetNZ join forces in new partnership

2020 Trust and InternetNZ join forces in new partnership

The 2020 Communications Trust and InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) have today announced a new strategic partnership that will see the organisations work more closely together on their shared goal of digital inclusion for all.

As well as developing closer operational relationships, InternetNZ is pleased to announce significant new operating funding for 2020. The purpose of the funding is to increase the capacity of the Trust’s day-to-day operations. This will allow 2020 to develop new ways to deliver on shared goals, and will also enhance the Trust’s core digital literacy work.

2020 Communications Trust Chair Laurence Millar says InternetNZ has played an extremely important role in shaping the Internet in New Zealand during the last 18 years. He welcomes InternetNZ’s support in helping 2020 ensure that all New Zealanders can participate in the Internet.

The 2020 Trust was established around the same time as InternetNZ in the mid-nineties. Its mission today remains the same – to ensure that all people living in New Zealand fully participate in the Internet. Technical access to the Internet is clearly a critical first step and, while most New Zealanders do have access, an alarming number do not,” says Millar. “Even more alarming is the number of people who don’t have the skills or the confidence to take advantage of the Internet and use it to enhance their businesses or their lives.

“That is our challenge. To ensure everyone not only has access but can also participate. This new partnership with InternetNZ provides us with the opportunity to explore new ways to up skill communities and help create competent Internet users. This will be good for individuals, for communities and for the New Zealand economy as a whole,” says Millar.

InternetNZ Acting Chief Executive Jordan Carter says the partnership with 2020 is the first of a number of partnerships agreed by InternetNZ last month, with further announcements pending over coming weeks.

“Developing our relationship with 2020 and providing funding is recognition that the organisation is a natural fit with one of InternetNZ’s most important Objects - to promote widely and generally available access to the Internet.

“As a charitable organisation, an important aspect of our work is supporting others aligned with our purpose and objects, and in developing and maintaining strong relationships with like-minded organisations that have interests in ICT and the Internet.

“Like 2020, we strongly believe in the importance of equipping all New Zealanders with the essential information, skills and opportunities to participate in the knowledge economy. We are delighted to have signed this new partnership and look forward to helping 2020 progress their programmes of work,” Carter says.
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