NZRise pleased with evolution of ICT Policies

Wednesday 10th Sept

NZRise pleased with evolution of ICT Policies

NZRise is pleased with how political parties are developing their ICT policies but cautions they need a long term effort from Government to put them in place.

Don Christie Co-Chair of NZRise said "The policies show how the awareness and importance of the sector has grown in the last 3 years."

Many of the policies by the parties align with the values that NZRise has been advocating; growing the digital technology sector, promoting open standards, supporting local industry through government procurement, and bringing new digital talent into the workforce.

NZRise is also pleased to see discussions developing on the role of Government wide technology strategy and up-skilling of government branches.

The ICT sector has the potential to drive the weightless economy of New Zealand through software exports and provide well paid jobs for New Zealanders. NZRise questioned the major parties and Christie says "I think it is fair to say that we have had comprehensive and serious responses from across the political spectrum" The procurement policies of the Labour and Green parties recognises the role of Government spending on local businesses as a driver of sector success. Most parties support the need for open standards and open source software with National recognising the need for systems to interoperate and not tied to individual vendors.

The Māori Party has placed strong emphasis on engaging Māori with ICT. Other parties have policies to educate and create the next generation of digital workers, through apprenticeships and career pathways. Christie says "we see real focus on the need to educate the next generation of digital technologist".

The Green party has produced a policy supporting the game development industry which is already an $80million industry and growing. The Internet Party has policies around cheaper Internet access.

NZRise recognises there is considerable work to make these policies reality but the responses give real confidence that progress is underway.

The questions and answers can are on - http://nzrise.org.nz/news/party-policy-questions/ and are updated as parties release policies before the election.

About NZRise

NZRise exists to ensure the global competitiveness of the New Zealand IT industry.

It is the first organisation to represent Kiwi owned and operated digital technology businesses. NZRise strongly represents the interests of New Zealand-owned IT companies.

As owner-operators of successful IT businesses, our members have the passion, vigilance, and long-term interest in the success of the industry to a level that cannot be matched by those that are stewards of businesses owned by others.

Having demonstrated their entrepreneurship and commitment by establishing their businesses, NZRise's members are uniquely positioned to work with government entities, associations, and private industry, all aiming to grow the NZ IT sector into one of international renown.

Current co-chairs are Paul Ramsay of Equinox IT and Don Christie, Director of Catalyst IT who have been working with many other business leaders over the past years.

It is a non-profit New Zealand incorporated society.

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