The Digital Opportunities Partnership Protocol

A government – business partnership agreement

The Digital Opportunity Protocol partners share a vision for a country in which New Zealanders are seen as innovators to the world.

To be innovators, New Zealanders need access to new information and communication technologies. These technologies offer the key to a world of resources and ideas that feed innovation. They are also vital tools for analysis and information exchange.

To achieve our vision, New Zealand must overcome a number of barriers such as access, ability and attitude. We need access to bandwidth, hardware and software. We need the ability to know how to use, maintain and advance technology. We also need the attitude to embrace technology and make it part of our way of life.

The partners to the Digital Opportunity Protocol believe the vision of an innovative New Zealand is possible, so long as government and businesses work together. Goodwill and a commitment to partnership are the foundation we need to go forward.

Our education system offers us a starting point for working in partnership. It is an environment in which we can help prepare young New Zealanders to contribute to growing and sustaining a knowledge economy. Through education we believe we can start to break down those barriers to innovation and improve learning outcomes.

With this in mind, government and businesses are working together to address some of the barriers to ICT use, focusing on schools. Specifically, we are working in partnership to progress four ICT pilot projects in the compulsory education sector. The Digital Opportunities pilot projects are:
i Learning Communities;
ii Technology Training;
iii ICT Boost for Study Support Centres; and
iv Laptops for Teachers and Senior Students
These Digital Opportunities pilot projects aim to use information and communication technologies to enhance educational achievement, particularly in the areas of mathematics, science and technology.

While detailed service agreements will be developed by the Digital Opportunity Partners and participating schools, this Protocol serves as a record of our commitment to work together. It is noted that this partnership agreement covers the two-year term of these pilot projects and there is no obligation for the government or business partners to continue their investment beyond that time.

Signed on 8 February 2001 in the Legislative Council Chamber, Parliament House, Wellington:

Rt Hon Helen Clark
Prime Minister

Geoff Lawrie
Microsoft

David Copeland
Learning Centre Trust

Elmar Toime
NZ Post

Rick Ellis
TVNZ

Deanne Weir
Telstra Saturn

Theresa Gattung
Telecom NZ

Russell Hewitt
Compaq

Peter Kaliaropoulos
Clear Communications

Nick Lambert
IBM

Mal Thompson
Renaissance

Rick Neville
Independent Newspapers Ltd

Tony O'Brien
Sky Television

Greg Cross
Advantage Group

Ian Taylor
Taylormade Ltd

Grahame Maher
Vodafone

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