The Government is seeking feedback on a discussion document that will inform New Zealand’s Digital Strategy.
A national digital strategy is long overdue, and the need for one has also been recommended by the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission in its draft Infrastructure Strategy. The last substantial digital strategy New Zealand had was the 2005 Digital Strategy which was updated in 2008 and renamed Digital Strategy 2.0. Technology has advanced rapidly since then and the way we consume technology has changed too.
Digital technology is already playing a significant role in infrastructure solutions. The Digital Strategy for Aotearoa will need to reflect that and lay out how New Zealand can harness the opportunities digital technology provides. This includes the role of digital infrastructure in addressing the country’s infrastructure deficit.
The discussion document is built around the three themes of trust, inclusion and growth. These themes are envisaged to form the strategy’s structure.
A digital strategy will need to serve as a key input in driving economic growth and development, and the discussion document has a heavy focus on connectivity, how we use it and inclusion.
The consultation document can be accessed here. Submissions close on Wednesday, 10 November.
Infrastructure New Zealand will make a submission. If you would like to provide comments and feedback to be considered for inclusion in the submission, feel free to contact Azeem Khan at azeem.khan@infrastructure.org.nz by 1 November.