Catching the Knowledge Wave by promoting kiwi innovation…

A conference will be organised early next year by Economic Development Minister Jim Anderton to promote the innovation of New Zealanders.

Jim Anderton says that we don't do enough to celebrate the unique talent and creativity of New Zealanders.

"Wherever I go in New Zealand, there are creative people doing incredibly innovative things. But New Zealanders are almost embarrassed to talk about their achievements. We need to be more enthusiastic about celebrating our successes instead of dwelling on our failures.

"The strongest message I took from the Knowledge Wave conference was that we are not doing enough to promote and celebrate the kiwi innovation which is all around us.

"There were some excellent ideas at the Knowledge Wave conference. Overseas experts told us we should network better with kiwis overseas, that regional plans are vitally important and that we need to promote industry clusters. A network with world class New Zealanders was announced in this year's budget. Regional plans are being put together in almost every part of New Zealand. Work is under way in one priority industry after another to promote industry clusters.

"There are talented New Zealanders doing great things, and they have a story that needs to be told."

The Ministry of Economic Development is holding a conference on Regional Development in Rotorua in November, and is working on plans for a Kiwi Innovation conference to follow in the new year.

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