News - NZ Govt launches Digital Strategy
New Zealand Government launches Digital Strategy
5 July 2005
On May 16 Information Technology Minister David Cunliffe launched the Digital Strategy, a practical and achievable action plan for ensuring all New Zealanders benefit from information and communications technology (ICT).
The Strategy, the result of a collaborative effort between multiple government agencies and led by the Ministry of Economic Development, coordinates various government activities and initiatives and ensures a common focus over the next five years.
The government is already taking a citizen's view in the way it presents online information. It is building portals where people can find all the information they require on a particular topic, irrespective of whether the services are delivered by different agencies. Some examples are:
- www.govt.nz for government information and services
- www.worksite.govt.nz for employment information
- www.biz.org.nz for information for small and medium-sized businesses
- www.edcentre.govt.nz for the education sector
Other government actions identified in the NZ$60 million Strategy include:
- Education Sector Architecture Framework
- Health Information Strategy for New Zealand
- Justice Sector Information Strategy 2003-2006
- Inland Revenue�s comprehensive e-Enablement Strategy
- E-Local Government Strategy
- Geospatial Strategy
The Strategy, which is the result of extensive public consultation, also sets a goal that New Zealand will be in the top quarter of the OECD for broadband uptake by 2010.
David Cunliffe noted at the launch that we must respond to the broadband challenge: "New Zealand has high Internet usage but low uptake of broadband. Our small market also inhibits investment and limits competition.
"A high-quality, high-speed infrastructure depends on having an open competitive framework. The government's goal is to enhance competition between providers to promote investment, drive innovation and improve the quality of service offered to consumers.
"The Strategy includes a number of targets to ensure we reach our 2010 goal for broadband uptake. These include promoting and supporting open access fibre networks in 15 cities and towns by 2009, creating conditions for all major public institutions to have access to a fast (1 Gbps) connection by 2010 and implementing the Advanced Network to connect our researchers and universities by 2006."
The Digital Strategy is available from www.digitalstrategy.govt.nz
