News - Steven Clift

E-democracy expert shares experiences with New Zealand e-community

15 July 2004

Laurence Millar (right) welcomes Steven Clift

An international expert on e-Democracy, Steven Clift, is visiting New Zealand to share his experiences of global trends in the use of the Internet in democracy, governance, and community.

Laurence Millar, Director of the State Services Commission�s E-government Unit, says one of the key goals in the E-government Strategy is greater participation by people in government.

�Mr Clift offers an important global perspective in the New Zealand debate about how government agencies can make the best use of the possibilities offered by the Internet.�

�Mr Clift has been involved with this issue closely for a long time and his advice can contribute to our work on implementing New Zealand�s E-government strategy,� Mr. Millar said.

�The Internet opens up more opportunities for people to become involved in government and the E-government Unit is working to ensure that these avenues are available to New Zealanders,� said Mr Millar.

Steven Clift says his interests lie in �improving the democratic outcomes of the policy process and efforts that engage citizens in meeting public challenges. Government, working with other democratic institutions, can provide leadership in this area.�

�While governments at all levels are providing ever increasing public access to their own information, online resources across the world are providing parliaments and the offices of world leaders with valuable policy resources for their policy development needs. This is a tremendous opportunity for improved policy making in all countries,� Mr Clift said.

Steven Clift is an United Stated-based online strategist and communicator focused on the use of the Internet in democracy, governance, and community. He is actively networking with people all over the globe determined to make a difference with this new media.

View Steven Clift's presentation to the E-government Unit