FLINT Auckland Micro Hackathon

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Join us on Wednesday 29 May as we come together for an engaging and fun-filled Micro Hackathon hosted by our FLINT Auckland team at AWS. You need no experience at using AI tools, nor do you need to be coder. We’ll be using a fun, intuitive platform called PartyRock with drag-and-drop modules

What is a Hackathon?

A hackathon is like a marathon for creating cool stuff with tech! You will work in teams, brainstorm ideas, write code, and build prototypes to solve problems or make something new.

What are you Hacking?

Your task is to design an AI application that makes learning personal. Think of it as creating a smart learning assistant that can figure out what each student is good at and what they struggle with, and then helps them improve by providing tailored help and activities. Your apps will aim to make learning as effective as getting help from a one-on-one tutor. This means every student could learn more effectively, just like they would with their own private teacher.

Expected Outcomes

At the end of the hackathon, you’ll present your project to a panel of judges. This is a great chance to share what you’ve built and get valuable feedback on your idea, its design, and how well it works. You’ll have the opportunity to win prizes and gain recognition. Plus, there might be chances to keep working on your project after the hackathon, either by yourself or with new friends and potential partners you meet at the event.

This is your chance to dive into new technologies, boost your skills in cutting-edge AI technology, and expand your professional network by connecting with mentors, industry experts, other participants, and potential employers or business partners.

We look forward to welcoming you!

TUANZ has put forward the following recommendations to Government:

  • Simplify and expedite visa application processes for skilled migrants in all tech and supporting sector roles.
  • Work to support and develop programmes that encourage more Māori, Pasifika and Wahine into tech education and roles.
  • Develop with industry and education institutions internships and digital apprenticeship schemes.

For further comment or interview, please contact Craig Young

Phone: 021 488 188

Email: craig.young@tuanz.org.nz 

TUANZ looks to the next Government to make a fresh commitment to improving security and safety online

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Ahead of the general election in October, The Tech Users Association (TUANZ) has called on whoever makes up the next Government to commit to continuing to take the lead on improving security and safety online.

An increased reliance on digital devices post-pandemic and the growing number of open platforms and interconnected systems has created more opportunities for cyber criminals.

Online scams are a rapidly growing problem, posing significant threats especially to individual users. The increasing prevalence of technology and the widespread use of the internet have provided scammers with a vast playground to exploit unsuspecting victims.

“Scammers are employing even more sophisticated techniques to deceive and manipulate users, making it difficult to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent activities. It’s crucial for individuals to learn to remain vigilant, educated, and cautious while navigating the digital landscape to protect themselves from falling victim to these increasingly prevalent online scams,” says TUANZ CEO Craig Young.

TUANZ is calling on the next Government to develop a fresh national strategy that leads to enforceable legislation and regulations.

“The strategy should ensure the enhancement of the capabilities of Government agencies in investigating and combating cyber security threats. This includes developing a coordinated approach within agencies that have cybercrime in their mandate,” says Craig.

In addition, TUANZ would like to see the implementation of guidelines encouraging more detailed cyber security disclosures.

“We need to bolster collaboration between government agencies, law enforcement, and private sector entities to share information and intelligence about emerging scams and cyber threats,” says Craig.

TUANZ would also like to see the next Government prioritise the development of a digital identity system in Government that is enhanced and more sophisticated than what is currently in use.

“We’d also like to see the development of comprehensive privacy and data protection regulations that keep pace with technology, ensuring they address clear guidelines for the collection, use, and sharing of personal data, with a focus on obtaining informed consent, ensuring data security and empowering individuals with control over their data,” says Craig.

“We need to continue to invest in awareness campaigns through agencies like CERT NZ to educate citizens about the various types of online scams and the precautionary measures they can take. This includes promoting digital literacy and responsible online behaviour from an early age. We also need to further encourage public-private partnerships, especially in relevant industries like the financial sector to combat online scams.”

TUANZ has put forward the following recommendations to Government:

  • Develop a new national cyber security strategy.
  • Implement guidelines on cyber security disclosures.
  • Implement an improved Government digital identity system.
  • Develop comprehensive privacy and data protection regulations.
  • Instruct relevant Government agencies to develop public-private partnerships in specific industries.

For further comment or interview, please contact Craig Young

Phone: 021 488 188

Email: craig.young@tuanz.org.nz 

TUANZ calls for the next Government to commit to addressing the increasing digital inequity in NZ

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Ahead of the general election in October, The Tech Users Association (TUANZ) has called on whoever makes up the next Government to commit to addressing the increasing digital inequity in New Zealand.

Leaders within TUANZ’s membership believe COVID-19 further highlighted the digital divide in New Zealand and this inequity must be addressed to prevent the divide from widening.

“The cost of living crisis is making it harder for stretched families and whanau to access the digital essentials as affordability becomes an increasing issue. This is further exacerbated by the cost of devices and the lack of digital skills within some households. Some estimates are that 20 percent of Kiwis lack the essential digital skills needed to use the internet safely and effectively,” says TUANZ CEO Craig Young.

130,000 households in New Zealand do not have internet access at home (Stats NZ) with Census data showing that those without access are primarily in lower income households.

“As technology develops at a quicker pace, including the explosion of tools like generative AI in 2023, we are likely to see a growing gap in this inequity,” says Craig.

TUANZ believes to have the biggest impact on digital inequity we need to direct our limited resources to those on the lowest incomes.

“To do this we need to have a joint agreed definition on the size of the current affordability issue as well as any eligibility criteria. To help calculate how many households can be supported, we suggest using the upcoming DECA (Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa) research in this area to determine the cost of the basic package of meaningful digital access (internet access at home, access on the go, devices and basic skills),” says Craig

“We also agree with DECAs recommendation that any funding be distributed through

community intermediaries who have intimate knowledge of their communities and are often a

first point of contact for people in their communities. This could be in the form of bulk funding for essential digital skills, devices and wrap-around support. Funding for connectivity could be built into the model or addressed separately, for example through an MSD (Ministry of Social Development) payment or government subsidy for an equity product or products.”

TUANZ states whatever solution or approach is developed, it should be co-designed with Government, industry and the community.

“This would be the best approach to ensuring that the solution is successful in being delivered to those that need it. It would build on research done by groups like DECA and Government Departments, and could discuss what contribution various parties could contribute to the solution. For example, initial work shows that the current lowest cost wholesale connectivity product is around $40 per month whereas initial work by DECA, and also being advocated for in Australia, is that the affordable product needs to be around $20 per month at the wholesale level.”

TUANZ supports the overall intent of the Government’s Digital Strategy for Aotearoa, but would like to see more traction and intent in implementing the actions from the strategy.

TUANZ has put forward the following recommendations to Government:

  • Make digital literacy and proficiency for all New Zealanders a priority for Government.
  • Support the concept and development of Affordable Connectivity services.
  • Support the co-development and invest in programmes to deliver services to improve digital capability among those that are currently unable to make the most of the opportunities.

For further comment or interview, please contact Craig Young

Phone: 021 488 188

Email: craig.young@tuanz.org.nz 

TUANZ calls for the next Government to ensure users are at the centre of our use of AI

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Ahead of the general election in October, The Tech Users Association (TUANZ) has called on whoever makes up the next Government to commit to ensuring users are at the centre of our use of AI.

The exponential growth of AI presents amazing opportunities alongside significant challenges, if tech companies and decision makers fail to adequately consider the needs of end users.

This could lead to opaque AI systems, biased algorithms, intrusive data collection practices, systems that lack transparency, and ineffective mechanisms for feedback or redress. Users have limited control and understanding of their personal information, which could lead to eroding trust in AI technologies.

“We already know that there is a digital divide – both in the having of tech and the understanding of tech, so while we can attempt to educate everyone, we should also be mindful of any increases to inequity that AI or its proliferation may bring about,” says TUANZ CEO Craig Young.

“This flows through to challenges around privacy and sovereignty of data. AI’s ability to process personal data may compromise privacy as data is collected, stored, and used without consent or knowledge. The lack of robust regulations and ethical frameworks surrounding AI will exacerbate the problem, leaving individuals vulnerable to the misuse and exploitation of their private data.”

TUANZ recommends the next Government develop a national AI strategy to address the challenges associated with the growth of AI and ensure that the interests of individuals and end users are protected. It should involve the public in the co-development of policy and governance to ensure that the national strategy aligns with our values and needs in Aotearoa.

In addition, TUANZ recommends the next Government encourage the adoption of ethical AI principles in AI development and deployment and promote AI systems that are designed to respect human values and rights.

“The development of comprehensive privacy and data protection regulations also needs to be prioritised with clear guidelines for the collection, use, and sharing of personal data, with a focus on obtaining informed consent, ensuring data security, addressing data sovereignty and empowering individuals with control over their data,” says Craig.

“We also need to invest in AI education and workforce development programs to build a skilled workforce capable of understanding, developing, and utilising AI technologies.”

TUANZ has put forward the following recommendations to Government:

  • Develop a holistic national AI strategy.
  • Encourage the adoption of ethical AI principles by the NZ technology sector.
  • Develop comprehensive privacy and data protection regulations.
  • Invest in AI education and workforce development.

For further comment or interview, please contact Craig Young

Phone: 021 488 188

Email: craig.young@tuanz.org.nz 

TUANZ calls for the next Government to commit to accelerating digital adoption and capability in SMEs

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Ahead of the general election in October, The Tech Users Association (TUANZ) has called on whoever makes up the next Government to commit to maintaining the momentum in improving digital adoption and capability in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The advancement of technology has the potential to reshape the landscape of business across New Zealand, driving innovation and economic growth. However, the digital gap among SMEs is holding New Zealand back as a country overall and in the aim to become world-leading in the adoption of technology.

Recent data from Yellow shows that one-third of SMEs still lack an online presence, 22 percent of SMEs with no website say they would like one, 12 percent say they would like a Google Business Profile and 9 percent say they would like a Facebook page.

“Some of our larger corporate members have indicated they are concerned about the rate at which small businesses can adopt or invest in new technology, when compared with their own businesses,” says TUANZ CEO Craig Young.

Various reports have identified the value to be found in increasing digital transformation. One report shows a value of $46 billion worth of economic value in our non-technology sectors by 2023 (Google 2021).

“It’s clear that we need all of our businesses, regardless of size, to embrace and adopt digital transformation if we are to achieve an effective, inclusive, and sustainable digital transition of the whole economy,” says Craig.

To help accelerate digital adoption and capability in SMEs, TUANZ recommends the next Government continue to support the small business Digital Boost programme. “We have heard that most participants in the Boost education platform show an uptake in business digital capability, including new and complex digital tools such as payment gateways, digital marketing and cloud services”

The Digital Boost Alliance programme, which sits next to the Digital Boost programme, is working through a number of initiatives over a longer term period. It’s a collaborative effort between the government and private sector organisations focused on motivating and inspiring small businesses, individuals and communities across New Zealand to lift their use of digital technologies. TUANZ recommends the Government should remain committed to partnering with the Alliance in developing solutions to assist SMEs participating in the overall project.

“With the growth of new technologies such as generative AI, programmes that support the digitisation of SMEs need to be continually updated to introduce these sorts of new tools to users to ensure they are able to integrate the opportunities they provide.”

To lower the cost of digitalisation, TUANZ recommends the Government should take an active role in incentivising SMEs.

“The focus must be on improving digital adoption and digitalisation practices with businesses who are resistant to change, unable to make informed investment decisions or those that struggle to navigate ambiguity or uncertainty. These incentives can be seen in other countries such as Denmark, Australia and Singapore and could include utilising the tax system to provide greater subsidies for digitisation, specific rebates for pre-approved digital packages, or direct grants to businesses through the Boost platform.”

TUANZ has put forward the following recommendations to Government:

  • Invest in continuing to develop the Digital Boost Programme and in particular the education platform.
  • Follow Singapore’s example of providing access to low-cost advisor services on digitalisation for small business through programmes like the Digital Facilitation Scheme.
  • Lower behavioural barriers to digitalisation by facilitating SME networks.

For further comment or interview, please contact Craig Young

Phone: 021 488 188

Email: craig.young@tuanz.org.nz

TUANZ calls for the next Government to commit to connectivity as a core utility

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Ahead of the general election in October, The Tech Users Association (TUANZ) has called on whoever makes up the next Government to commit to connectivity as a core utility.

The challenges presented by the significant weather events of early 2023 have shed light on the need for resilient connectivity, especially in rural communities.

“While much of urban New Zealand has persevered without interruption, rural and regional users have faced varying degrees of disconnection. As the nation embarks on an infrastructure rebuild in numerous areas, it’s clear that we need to ensure that the lessons learned about connectivity resilience are not forgotten. The goal is not just to restore the status quo, but to construct a stronger, more resilient digital infrastructure,” says TUANZ CEO Craig Young.

Upon completion of current rural broadband initiatives, including RBI2, MBSF, and the Marae Connectivity Programme, over 99 percent of New Zealand’s population will benefit from improved broadband coverage. However, there remains work to be done. Approximately 100,000 individuals still lack connectivity, and ensuring equitable access to high-speed broadband for all users is paramount.

Addressing rural connectivity challenges goes beyond mere coverage and capacity enhancements. Factors such as affordability, digital literacy, skill development, and value also need to be considered. Additionally, ensuring accessible support and information is available within rural communities is essential so they can be informed consumers.

“This isn’t just about rural and remote communities. In the wake of the 2023 weather events, the need for infrastructure capable of weathering future disruptions has become evident. New Zealand anticipates continued population migration from urban to regional and rural areas, placing increased demand on connectivity. This requires faster resupply times and the implementation of more robust solutions to maintain network availability during emergencies,” says Craig.

“Connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity for full participation in the digital world. Resilient connectivity will only be possible if connectivity is seen as a lifeline and prioritised. This will require more strategic alignment, collaboration, and communication between Government, internet service providers (RSPs), wireless internet service providers (WISPs), infrastructure providers, Marae, and community groups.”

TUANZ has put forward the following recommendations to Government:

  • Government recognising and prioritising connectivity is a key utility like electricity or water.
  • Government needs to continue to invest to close the gap between rural and urban quality of service and to consider the socio-economic benefits in their business case discussions.
  • Development with the industry of a national connectivity register linking addresses to connections to ensure help is provided to the right people.

For further comment or interview, please contact Craig Young

Phone: 021 488 188

Email: craig.young@tuanz.org.nz

Seeking TUANZ Board Nominations 2023

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One of the opportunities that members of TUANZ have is to put their name forward for election to the Board.  Being part of the Board gives you the opportunity to influence the future work of the organisation and how TUANZ impacts the direction of the digital technology landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand.

We are now seeking nominations for the Board and encourage you to carefully consider nominating yourself or someone else to this role who can make a difference and help us to make sure New Zealand makes the most of the digitally connected world. More information about the Board member roles and responsibilities can be found here.

There are six seats available this year on the TUANZ Board in this rotation. If elected, Board members serve for a term of two years.

Board Nominations

The following Board members were elected in September 2022 and have another year to serve:

  • Andy Edwards
  • Caitlin Metz
  • Kaity Mitchell
  • Vaughan Baker

The following Board members’ terms expire at the upcoming AGM:

  • Jenna Woolley
  • Matthew Harrison
  • Maxine Elliott
  • Tristan IIich (Current Chair)
  • Wendy McGowan
  • Zoe Udy

While any member may be nominated, based on the current representatives on the Board we especially encourage members with the following skills or experience to consider nomination :

  • Risk & Financial Management
  • Experience in security or data protection
  • Experience in leading large corporate IT teams
  • Members who work within non-technology and telecommunications companies

Nominations must be received by 5pm Tuesday 22 August 2023. Nominations should be made using this form.

You or your organisation must be a fully paid-up member of TUANZ to join the Board, so if you are in doubt about your standing with the organisation, please contact us at accounts@tuanz.org.nz to check and/or arrange payment.

Online Voting

Voting will take place online in advance of the AGM and the results will be announced at the meeting.

Notices and Remits

If you have any remits, motions or other items that you would like raised at the AGM, please send these through to agm@tuanz.org.nz by 5pm Tuesday 12 September 2022.

 

Timeline

  • Now: Call for Nominations for Board representatives issued to Members
  • 22 August: Deadline for nominations to be received
  • 29 August: List of nominees to be issued to voting members and electronic voting commences
  • 12 September: Any proposed notices, motions or remits to be advised to TUANZ
  • 26 September: Annual Meeting, results of online voting announced.

 

Annual General Meeting

The TUANZ Annual General Meeting will be held online on Tuesday 26th September 2023. Details and registration information will be sent out soon.

All TUANZ members are encouraged to attend the AGM.

Future proofing our rural communities – work still to be done to close urban and rural digital divide

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The Tech Users Association (TUANZ) supports a call for high-quality connectivity to be prioritised by the Government as a core utility, a newly published report says.

“The last few years have shown that high-quality connectivity has real value and is an essential need in today’s world. If there was any lingering doubt, the significant weather events of early 2023 made it clear that we need to invest in resilient connectivity for our rural communities,” says Craig Young, CEO, TUANZ.

“While the vast majority of urban NZ have been able to carry on without missing a beat, regional and rural NZ users have had mixed experiences at best or had to deal with being disconnected for significant periods.

“As we head into a period of infrastructure rebuild in large parts of the motu, we need to ensure that the lessons in resiliency we have learned this year are not forgotten. It is not simply a case of rebuilding what was there before, we must build back better.”

Insights from the 2023 Rural Connectivity Symposium (RCS) have been published by the Tech Users Association (TUANZ).  The Rural Connectivity Symposium 2023 Communique highlights current efforts, challenges, future solutions and what’s next.

Key themes include:

  • Building on the work and investment to date, we urge the Government to treat high-quality connectivity as a core utility service and to prioritise it accordingly.
  • Our end goal should be to ensure that the rural experience is at least equivalent to urban in terms of affordability and capacity, recognising the requirement for further investment in infrastructure, a tech-agnostic mindset, and a multi-layer approach.
  • This end user approach should be supported by a change in how the “business case” for investment is viewed – with greater emphasis given to the socioeconomic returns of providing quality connectivity to rural, remote, and isolated areas of New Zealand.
  • The rollout of a publicly available national connectivity register remains a priority. This would offer users and providers a view of the best form of connectivity available at their location.
  • Importantly, these actions need to be supported by a contextual focused awareness Programme designed to educate communities on the opportunities they may or may not be aware of.

“Solutions to rural connectivity challenges are not only about providing better coverage and capacity but about understanding and delivering on the broader connectivity needs of rural and remote New Zealanders. We still need to look at connectivity in the digital world more holistically in terms of affordability, use, skills, digital literacy, and value,” says Craig.

View the report here

For further comment or interview, please contact Craig Young

Phone: 021 488 188

Email: craig.young@tuanz.org.nz

User is central AI

TUANZ says user is central to national AI response

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The Tech Users Association (TUANZ) has asked Government to ensure the user is central to any national response around artificial intelligence (AI).

In a letter to the Minister of Digital Economy and Communications, Hon Ginny Andersen, TUANZ has asked the government to strongly consider the impacts AI may have on users now and in the future so that users aren’t forgotten when strategising and agreeing regulations.

One of the key issues raised in TUANZ’s recently released Digital Priorities Report was how business and individual users will be impacted by the rise of generative AI that has grown in impact this year.

“We shared our new vision for the future at a cross-party meeting on the need for a national strategy for AI at Parliament last month. Our vision focuses on the needs of users of technology, and making sure no one misses out on the opportunities the technology provides but is safe and inclusive for all New Zealanders,” says TUANZ CEO Craig Young.

“While the opportunities AI gives to strengthen many of our industries and birth entirely new ones are exciting and worthy of interest and engagement, we need to balance the potential gains in business, education, and other areas with the views and informed consent of the user(s).”

“We need to consider how the regulatory frameworks, policies, and statements that the government and other trusted representatives make on this topic may help or harm users’ understanding of the technology.”

TUANZ believes education should be at the centre. Users should understand how the services they consume are provided and they should be able to consent appropriately – both to using AI-based services and to having their data used by AI algorithms.

“There is a digital divide in Aotearoa, both in the having of tech and the understanding of tech. So while we can and should attempt to educate everyone, we need to be mindful of any increases in inequity that AI may bring about,” says Craig.

“We hope to remain engaged with the Minister and cross-party caucus, particularly if work is undertaken to develop a national AI strategy to ensure that the user voice is not lost in discussions.

For further comment or interview, please contact Craig Young
Phone: 021 488 188
Email: craig.young@tuanz.org.nz

Media Release RCS 2023

Government, industry discuss future proofing our rural communities at Rural Connectivity Symposium, TUANZ launches new vision

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Government, industry, and community representatives gathered at the Tech Users Association (TUANZ) Rural Connectivity Symposium in Christchurch yesterday, to discuss future proofing connectivity in our rural communities.

“Recent weather events at the beginning of this year have reinforced the need to continue to future-proof rural communities in Aotearoa, with regional and rural New Zealand users having a mixed experience at best, or having to deal with being disconnected for significant periods of time,” says TUANZ CEO Craig Young.

Minister of Digital Economy and Communications, Hon Gin Andersen, opened the event and said the Government remains acutely aware of the importance of rural connectivity. She addressed that while building resilience is important, we need to balance that with keeping our eye on the horizon and investing in a better tomorrow.

Today’s budget announcement by the Government has announced a $6 billion spend to fund a National Resilience Plan in response to Cyclone Gabrielle and other extreme weather events, including reinstating telecommunications, although the details of how much will be focused on ensuring that families and whanau can remain in touch in these events is unclear. The Government will also fund an initiative to support the recovery of under-serviced rural communities that have been impacted by the North Island weather events. Funding will cover the creation of centralised community hubs, as well as improved access to critical recovery services and reliable telecommunications.

“It’s also pleasing to see that the Government has extended The Equitable Digital Access Programme until June 2024, which provides funding to continue free home internet access for up to 18,000 student households until June 2024. TUANZ wrote to the Prime Minister late last year asking for this programme to be expanded,” says Craig.

Chorus CEO JB Rousselot’s keynote presentation at the symposium called for the industry and Government to work together on delivering rural connectivity that continues to meet the needs of all New Zealanders and concentrate on closing the digital divide. In his speech, JB signalled Chorus’s intention to retire the copper network within the next ten years and become an all-fibre company. The company estimates about $500m of investment could extend its fibre network to an additional 75,000 premises, providing over 90 percent of the population with access to fibre.

TUANZ CEO Craig Young announced the organisation’s new vision at the event: “Our vision is that by 2033, all individuals and businesses in New Zealand will have unrestricted access to the technology and services they need to thrive; no one misses out on the opportunities available to them in the digital technology world; and digital engagement is safe and inclusive for all New Zealanders.

“We will contribute to this by being a strong independent voice for all users of technology and helping our members prepare to take advantage of this digital future”, says Craig.

The new vision relates to some of the key topics discussed at the event including equity and affordability, reliable and resilient infrastructure, and how connectivity can enable and empower residents to become active participants in the economy.

Community representatives at the symposium spoke of the ongoing uncertainties following recent extreme weather events and people want assurances to restore their faith in the resiliency of our telecommunications infrastructure. And although they felt heard, they didn’t feel there was enough action or follow through.

“As we now head into a period of infrastructure rebuild in large parts of the motu, we need to ensure that the lessons learnt after these events are not forgotten, and in fact we “build back better”. Being an election year gives us the chance to sit down with politicians, reset the dialogue around the next steps for connectivity and imagine what could be if we saw continued real improvements to rural services,” says Craig.

For further comment or interview, please contact Craig Young
Phone: 021 488 188
Email: craig.young@tuanz.org.nz