Two new appointments to support the governments refresh of its digital strategy

New appointments to support Digital Strategy

Two new appointments to new roles that will support the government's refresh of its Digital Strategy by June 2008 were announced by Communications and Information Technology Minister David Cunliffe today.

"Only one week on from the Digital Future Summit I am pleased to announce two new appointments that will assist with the roll out of the Digital Strategy refresh process," said Communications and Information Technology Minister, David Cunliffe.

"The Ministry of Economic Development has appointed Doug Martin to lead engagement with the ICT sector to establish a new representative body that will provide a stronger unified voice."

"Doug's appointment and work programme is a concrete step in progressing further collaboration in the sector and the goodwill demonstrated at last week's successful Digital Summit. Strong engagement with the sector will be critical to ensuring any new entity is robust, effective and enduring."

Tony van Horik has also been appointed to support and facilitate the roll-out of community-based broadband network initiatives.

"Working with Local Government New Zealand and the Ministry of Economic Development, Tony will lead work to develop a "Know How Guide" for local government and community groups to use to develop a business case for broadband connectivity in their local areas ,"said Mr Cunliffe.

"He will also work on development of a "Broadband Friendly Protocol" to assist local governments manage the processes around the roll-out of broadband infrastructure."

Information on the Digital Future Summit 2.0 is available on www.digitalsummit.org.nz.

"I encourage people to revisit the Summit website," said Mr Cunliffe. "Speeches, presentations and webcasts of the whole Summit are progressively being made available online, with something new each day."

ENDS

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