A challenging year ahead for NGI-NZ Society

28 June 2004

A challenging year ahead for NGI-NZ Society

NGI-NZ Society is looking forward to a busy and challenging year helping to secure the future of advanced networking in New Zealand, Chairman Neil James said following the Society’s AGM in Wellington.

The Society, through the concerted efforts of its Board, active membership and CEO Tone Borren, had made significant steps towards a next generation network in the past 12 months. The future of that network was now certain with the Government’s recent announcement of the Advanced Network for Research and Education.

“The work done by the Society in the past year to 18 months should not be underestimated, and we are confident that 2004 is the year of the advanced network.”

Neil James announced that Tone Borren would be stepping down as CEO of the Society. Simon Riley, Director of Net Impact and current NGI-NZ Society secretary, would take on the role of acting CEO on a part-time basis.

Tone Borren had completed the task he was appointed to, said Neil James. “Before the active involvement of the Government, Tone was out there pushing advanced networking onto people’s agendas, and getting engagement from the telecommunications community.

“He was at the helm of the original Consortium and saw that organisation successfully formed into an Incorporated Society. He also oversaw a very successful speaker programme, organised in conjunction with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, that has brought overseas expertise in advanced networks to New Zealand shores in recent months.

“On behalf of the NGI-NZ Board and membership, I would like to thank Tone very much for his major contribution to helping to move us closer to an advanced network,” said Neil James.

The Society would be continuing to work closely with the Government network implementation team. With a growing membership, the Society provided strong representation of the advanced network users. It also maintained the international relationships (with Internet2, for example) that were vital for New Zealand scientists, researchers and innovators.

“We will continue to work hard in these areas, in the promotion and facilitation of capability building, and through publicising the importance of advanced networks to New Zealand’s future knowledge society.”

ENDS

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