Help us Develop the Otago Digital Strategy

Dunedin (Tuesday, 13 November 2012) – Otago residents and businesses have the opportunity to tell their councils about their needs and challenges with regards to the Internet, digital skills and what digital services the region needs to make it a great place to work and live.

The Dunedin City Council has come together with four other local councils (Central Otago District Council, Clutha District Council, Waitaki District Council and Otago Regional Council) to develop a Digital Strategy for the Otago region. The strategy will provide a plan of action to equip and prepare the community to take advantage of current and future digital opportunities. Development of the strategy is being led by the Digital Office.

Mayor Dave Cull says it is an exciting project for both the city and the surrounding region.

“Clearly we need to be more than just part of the digital age – we need to be leaders in it. It is a fantastic resource for business, for education and for building a stronger community, and the development of the strategy is a great opportunity for Dunedin people to play their part.”

The first step in developing the strategy is to understand the needs and challenges local communities and businesses are facing; this will include a region-wide survey. All residents, employers and employees in Otago are encouraged to respond to the survey to establish a clear picture of the digital challenges faced by the community today.

The survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OtagoDigitalStrategy or from the local councils, including the DCC’s Customer Services Centre.

Stuart Dillon-Roberts who leads the Digital Office says “this is an exciting opportunity for Otago, a chance to hear and understand the digital challenges across our region and together build a vision on how we can connect, grow and capitalise on digital technology.”

Results from the survey will be made available in the New Year with a target to have the Otago Digital Strategy developed by March 2013. For more information about the progress of the strategy, please visit the Digital Office website (www.digitaloffice.co.nz).

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