Kiwis get the chance to wiki on Digital Strategy

Ministry of Economic Development

Monday, 28 April 2008

Kiwis get the chance to wiki on the Draft Digital Strategy 2.0

Consultation on the Draft Digital Strategy 2.0 is providing New Zealanders with an innovative and interactive way to suggest wording for the refreshed Digital Strategy 2.0, which will be released later this year.

“The Digital Strategy wiki lets the public propose wording for the final Digital Strategy 2.0, which will update the 2005 Digital Strategy,” said Brad Ward, Digital Development Manager.

“Although a draft has been published, we want your ideas to add to the picture on how New Zealand can achieve its digital potential.”

Participation online through a wiki is not a new concept in New Zealand. The New Zealand Police launched a wiki version of the new Policing Act in September last year. The Policing Act wiki, one of the first of its kind worldwide, yielded a wide range of views from people interested in having a direct say on the shape of a new Police Act.

“Digital technologies have changed the way we communicate, interact, do business and participate as citizens. It’s wholly appropriate for us to be looking to new and innovative ways to ensure as many people as possible can and will participate in the refresh of the digital strategy,” said Brad Ward.

From the Hawaiian word for “quick”, a wiki is a type of website that can be edited easily, by anyone. The most well-known wiki is the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia.

The Digital Strategy wiki is open to all internet users. For those new to the concept, it includes a “wiki sandbox”, where people can practice their postings before they edit pages.

“We encourage everyone with an interest in digital issues to actively participate in the consultation process,” said Brad Ward. “If you can do it online using the wiki or online submission form – even better! It helps us to manage our carbon footprint.”

Suggestions and input on the wiki will be captured and summarised to develop one aggregated and collaborative submission on the draft strategy. Submissions on the draft strategy close at 5.00pm, Monday 12 May 2008.

ENDS

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