Media Release : Technology Users Association welcomes huge commitment to accelerating Digital Aotearoa

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TUANZ Media Release

25th May 2021

TUANZ has today said the launch of the Digital Boost Alliance Aotearoa is a critical step towards New Zealand being in the top 10 digital ready nations by 2030.

The launch has seen more than 20 large businesses, including banks, telcos, global and local technology companies and more have joined together to each commit a significant contribution to accelerating the take up of technology in New Zealand.

TUANZ is playing a key role in supporting the Digital Boost Alliance Aotearoa, working in partnership with both the Government and Alliance Members to launch and run the Alliance.

“As the membership association for technology users, we have clear goals to support the wide take-up and effective use of technology across New Zealand, with all of the social and economic benefits that brings,” said Craig Young, TUANZ CEO.

“We’ve been delighted by the shared commitment shown by so many significant organisations, across so many sectors, to unleashing the power of technology for our businesses, our people and our communities.”

“While COVID saw a leap forward for technology adoption across the country, it also threw into sharp relief the issues caused by the digital divide.  As a nation we simply cannot afford to leave some of our people behind, the Alliance will have a powerful role in bridging that gap.”

“Today’s launch is just the start.  We have already seen some fantastic commitments made by Alliance members, and welcome other organisations that might want to come on board.  And there is still much work to do.  Despite the improvements driven by COVID New Zealand still only ranks 16th on the network readiness index released by the Portulans Institute.”

“The Digital Boost Alliance Aotearoa will bring some of the resources of some of the largest organisations in New Zealand, or indeed the world, to bear on accelerating the change we need for New Zealand to be successful in the digital age,” he said.

 

At launch, the members of the Alliance are:

 

  • BNZ
  • Google
  • MBIE
  • Westpac
  • ANZ
  • ASB
  • AWS
  • CertNZ
  • Chorus
  • Datacom
  • Facebook
  • HP
  • Kiwibank
  • Microsoft
  • MYOB
  • Rocketspark
  • Spark
  • The Mind Lab
  • The Warehouse Group
  • 2Degrees
  • Xero
  • Zeald

Details about the Digital Boost Alliance

Media Release : New Zealand digital leaders must lay the groundwork for continued digital transformation

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TUANZ Media Release

Tuesday 4 May, 2021

IT leaders rate Aotearoa as 6.6 out of 10 for technology adoption globally, referencing our ‘pockets of success’

Despite the accelerated digital transformation that has taken place due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, New Zealand digital leaders have more work to do before our country can become a leader of emerging technologies.

A new report released by the Technology Users Association New Zealand (TUANZ) in collaboration with TechLeaders Executive and Vodafone emphasises New Zealand digital leaders and businesses must continue the momentum of the digital transformation and change that occurred last year.

TUANZ realised that many reports released tend to focus on the macro trends of emerging technologies which are unlikely to impact New Zealand organisations in the next 12 months.  

Consequently, the aim of the report: Aotearoa’s digital priorities in 2021 is to provide insight into the actual issues New Zealand digital leaders are facing and their priorities for the year ahead.

Top of the priority list is the future of work, cyber security, supporting digitalisation, the demand for digital skills, getting the most out of our data, and access and inclusion for everyone. 

TUANZ Chair, Tristan Illich says, “While the challenges and priorities within the report may not be surprising, we hope it will inspire readers to take their part in helping ensure all of us in Aotearoa New Zealand makes the most of a digitally connected world.”

The report found New Zealand businesses must prioritise getting their ‘house in order’ quickly for our country to have a shot at becoming a leader in emerging technologies. When asked to rate Aotearoa out of 10 in terms of digital adoption, the average (mean) score given was 6.6.

TechLeaders Executive Chair and Ministry of Education CDO, Stuart Wakefield says, “While the global Covid-19 pandemic accelerated many business’s digital transformation plans, it also highlighted many of the underlying issues and challenges holding them back such as workforce capability, technical debt from legacy systems, and a lack of basic infrastructure.” 

The 2020 TechLeaders Executive manifesto called out five key technology challenges: ensuring trust in our data, growing economic productivity, redefining our workplace, upskilling our nation and enabling access to the best talent.

Wakefield says, “The priorities and concerns highlighted by New Zealand’s digital leaders in the report show the 2020 manifesto focus remains valid. It also reinforces the increased urgency with which we move to support to all New Zealanders and businesses with fast data, mobility, flexibility and digital services.”

Digital leaders agreed that while some sectors in New Zealand may be leading the world in terms of innovation and technology adoption, others are holding us back. 

Vodafone CIO Andrew Haddad says, “For New Zealand to thrive in 2021 and beyond, we need our leaders to be focusing on digital transformation in all sectors of society. It’s both an opportunity and a challenge, but one that digital leaders need to embrace and drive within their organisations.”

A copy of the report is attached and can be downloaded by visiting the TUANZ website: https://tuanz.org.nz/digital-priorities-report/

ENDS

MEDIA RELEASE : Resetting the dialogue around improving rural connectivity for long-term community and climate benefits

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TUANZ MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday 11th February 2021

Resetting the dialogue around improving rural connectivity for long-term community and climate benefits

Technology Users Association New Zealand (TUANZ) believes New Zealand has an opportunity to reset the dialogue around improving rural connectivity and provide real, long-term benefits to rural communities through ensuring the current programmes deliver on time.

The publication of the 2020 Rural Connectivity Symposium Communique coincided with the release of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) 2021 Draft Report.

Technology Users Association New Zealand CEO Craig Young says it was pleasing to see that one of the CCC’s suggested time-critical necessary actions emphasised the importance of ensuring that the current government rural broadband programmes are delivered on time.

The CCC draft report recommended the government, “Ensure the Rural Broadband Initiative is resourced and prioritised to achieve its 2023 target, so that farmers have access to data and information to support decision making and the ability to practice precision agriculture.”

According to the CCC draft report, “Increasing technology use on farms will help to support efficiencies and reduce environmental impacts. Improved rural connectivity via broadband will make it easier to access the information and data farmers need to measure and monitor emissions and will support precision agriculture approaches.”

Mr Young says, “This year we found that the Rural Connectivity Symposium Communique for our 2020 was a longer document than previous years. The actions we identified are significant and focused on longer-term.”

“We believe that these actions are necessary to help rural New Zealand achieve the real benefits of connectivity, and to support on-farm efficiencies and reduce environmental impacts as outlined in the CCC draft report.”

The five high-level actions that the Technology Users Association New Zealand believes will make a difference, and therefore they and their partners should advocate for are:

  1. Building on the work and investment to date, we support the call for a 10 year strategic, multilateral plan for improving rural connectivity in NZ.
  2. Our end goal should be to ensure that the rural experience is at least equivalent to urban, recognising the requirement for a multi-technology approach.
  3. This will require a change to the funding model to a more transactional and end-user focused approach to ensure continued investment in network capacity, capability and offering enhancements such as free installs of CPE, as is the case in UFB.
  4. This end-user focused approach should be supported by rolling out a publicly available national connectivity register, allowing users and providers with a view of the best form of connectivity available at their location, as well as providing real-life experience reporting.
  5. All of this will fail though if users are not aware of their options or the opportunities they are missing out on. We need a concerted and planned awareness programme delivered at the community level.

These messages, as well as the challenges raised during the online event and subsequent workshops, will guide TUANZ advocacy and programmes in the area of Rural Connectivity over the next 12 months.  These will also guide the discussions at the 2021 Symposium which is scheduled for the 25th May 2021 in Hamilton.

ENDS

MEDIA RELEASE : THE TOPIC OF RURAL CONNECTIVITY TOO IMPORTANT TO GIVE UP ON

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TUANZ MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday 27 August, 2020

The topic of rural connectivity too important to give up on

With the reemergence of Alert Level 2 restrictions in New Zealand, TUANZ has reimagined the annual Rural Connectivity Symposium format, and pushed the date out slightly, to allow the event and surrounding conversations to proceed.

The Rural Connectivity Symposium will now be held on September 16 and 17 with a hybrid online and in-person format.

TUANZ CEO Craig Young says, “The topic of the future of rural connectivity is too important to give up on. Cancellation was never an option on the table. What we’re learning this year is the importance of a Plan B, C, and even D.”

Traditionally the Rural Connectivity Symposium is a one day event with up to 150 attendees with a mix of the public sector, industry partners, rural communities and members of the public. This year the event will be held across two days.

The first session will be an online webinar providing an update on progress to date. Attendees will have the option of joining the second session through an online platform or in person at one of the regional locations in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington or Christchurch. The theme of the second session is ‘Where are we headed and what do we want?’

Young says, “We believe the combination of online and in-person sessions in multiple regions will make it more accessible. We really wanted to retain an in-person element to the event to help groups share their stories and gather aspirations and ideas.”

“We’ve significantly reduced the ticket price to $39.99 and all registered attendees will have the option of a refund.”

Confirmed speakers for the online session include Hon Kris Faafoi, Minister for Broadcasting, Communications, and Digital Media; and Mike Smith, Chair of WISPA and CEO of Ultimate Broadband.
During the combined online and regional session, attendees will hear from Andrew Watene, Associate Director – Food, Agribusiness and Export Lead at KPMG; H.E. Peter Ryan, Ambassador to NZ from Ireland; and Chris Goldsmith, NGCC Director at NZ Police.

This year’s event is supported by our Premier Partner, Chorus, and our Conference Partners, WISPA and Kacific Satellite.

TUANZ hopes to be able to hold the Rural Connectivity Symposium in-person in Hamilton on April 22, 2021.

The event will be held Wednesday 16 September 2020, 1-3:30pm, Online and Thursday 17 September 2020, 1-5pm, Online and at regional locations in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.

TUANZ invites people who work or live in rural communities, along with anyone interested in the future of rural connectivity to attend. For more information visit or to register to attend visit: https://tuanz.org.nz/event/2020-rural-connectivity-symposium/

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TechLeaders prioritise our digital future

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Ahead of the 2020 General Election, New Zealand’s TechLeaders are urging all political parties to prioritise our digital future.  The TechLeaders Executive have published their manifesto outlining specific areas that we believe the next Government must focus on.

Today, we are increasingly reliant on technology to access information, learn, shop, work and connect with family and friends.  To be a globally competitive, balanced society, New Zealand needs to strengthen its digital foundations.  Emerging technology continues to disrupt existing business models and we must innovate now for our future.    

Government has an important leadership role to play in building a flexible, resilient, safe and trusted digital technology platform that is accessible to all.

Key technology opportunities for New Zealand include;

  1. Trust in our data
  2. Growing economic productivity
  3. Redefining the workplace
  4. Upskilling the nation
  5. Providing access to the best talent

Regardless of September’s election results, the next Government must embrace the key opportunities through technology focused policy in each of these areas. 

The TechLeaders Executive is a not-for-profit association of senior technology leaders, influencing positive economic and social change.  Its purpose is to provide a platform for cross-sector collaboration to actively contribute to the prosperity of New Zealand underpinned by technology.  TechLeaders is a member of the New Zealand Tech Alliance.

Meet our TechLeaders and read the 2020 Manifesto here.

MEDIA RELEASE : TUANZ WELCOMES INVESTMENT IN RURAL CAPACITY UPGRADE BUT CALLS FOR MORE

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29th April 2020

Tuanz (Technology Users Association of NZ) has for over 30 years been committed to helping users understand new communications technologies and has been a staunch advocate for improved connectivity in rural New Zealand.

On the day which would have been the annual rural connectivity symposium, Tuanz welcomes the announcement of a $15million investment in some priority improvements to capacity in rural broadband under the RBI programme.  

“We know from talking with our rural partners, that many suffer under significant constraints and that there still remain gaps and between rural households’ experience and urban New Zealanders.  This has been exacerbated at this time of lockdown and when children are staying home due to the Covid19 response.” said Craig Young, CEO of TUANZ.  “ This investment will go some way to ensuring that some of those constraints are fixed .”

However, Tuanz believes that it is timely to accelerate further investment in rural NZ by committing to the goal of ensuring all rural users have the same experience as urban.  “In particular this means further support to the local wireless ISPs to continue to upgrade their networks, and to commit to upgrading the previous and current RBI mobile footprint to the latest technology as quickly as possible.” 

Young also reminded people that damaging mobile towers is not an acceptable form of protest. “Damaging equipment at this time only serves to disrupt those communities, families and whanau who are in isolation in need of being connected for their health and wellbeing, and in particular disrupts and causes harm for children who are now in the new school term, learning from home.”

 

MEDIA RELEASE : TUANZ LAUNCHES SITE WITH SIMPLE TO UNDERSTAND INFORMATION REGARDING 5G

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17th April 2020

TUANZ (Technology Users Association of NZ) has for over 30 years been committed to helping users understand new communications technologies and the benefits that these bring for both companies and consumers.

To ensure that members as well as the general public have an independent source of easy to understand information, TUANZ has launched a new resource about the next evolution of mobile communications, known as 5G, on their website.  Here users can find simple explanations of the technology along with links to further detailed information, as well as being able to download a simple fact sheet.  

“We also know that there is a significant amount of misinformation on social media on what 5G is and the unverified health risks associated with this new technology” said Craig Young, CEO of TUANZ.  “ Our new site provides brief and simple explanations of why this risk is overstated and provides links to credible scientific information that debunks any theories.”

Young also has a message to those who consider that the current actions of damaging mobile towers is an acceptable form of protest. “There is absolutely no scientific evidence that 5G, or any mobile network, has in any way contributed to the current Covid-19 pandemic.  In fact, damaging equipment at this time only serves to disrupt those communities, families and whanau who are in isolation in need of being connected for their health and wellbeing, and in particular disrupts and causes harm for children who are now in the new school term, learning from home.”

The information can be found on the TUANZ website from a link on the homepage or at https://tuanz.org.nz/articles-research/5g/. The association is committed to updating the site with new information as it becomes available.

 

TUANZ MEDIA RELEASE: TUANZ to host Connected Marae National Hui in partnership with Ngā Pūmanawa e Waru at end of March

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4th March 2020

TUANZ and Ngā Pūmanawa e Waru are excited to announce that they will be hosting a national hui at the Millennium Hotel in Rotorua on the 26th March on the topic of Connected Marae. The one day hui will be centred around the whakatauki “Titiro whakamuri, kia anga whakamua“ (Look to the past to progress forward into the future).

“The idea for this event arose out various hui and conferences on the topic of rural connectivity, where there has been a recognition that there was a significant gap in the delivery, the lack of connectivity to Marae across Aotearoa.” said Craig Young, CEO of TUANZ.

The Government in 2019 allocated funding to Te Puni Kōkiri and Crown Infrastructure Partners to specifically address this need. However at the most recent NetHui, hosted by InternetNZ, various delegates expressed their concern over the lack of progress and that any national programme would not meet the specific local needs of hapū and iwi.

Mr Young expressed his organisation’s pleasure to be partnering with Ngā Pūmanawa e Waru (NPeW).  “We want to ensure that many representatives of Māori organisations, marae, and other decision makers can come together to kōrero to help in the sharing of knowledge and stories on how to successfully implement connectivity at marae.” says Adam Ellis, CEO, NPeW.   “It will also be one way of gathering shared aspirations for the connected marae programme which can be shared with the broader user community, the media, and decision makers in both Government and the technology and connectivity industry.” 

The overall vision for the day is to collectively identify solutions for the way forward and the stories and ideas shared on the day will be publicly released in the form of a post-hui communique.

The event is also being supported by InternetNZ and Vodafone NZ as partners.

For more information please contact either of the following:

 

Craig Young, CEO TUANZ,

 craig.young@tuanz.org.nz, 021488188

 

Adam Ellis,   CEO NPeW, Director of Technology Mb3 Ltd, 

Tainui – Ngati Koata – Whakatohea

adam.ellis@mb3.nz 022 406 0937

 

Attendees can register for the day at this website.

(https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/2020-connected-marae-hui-tickets-96316424017)

 

About TUANZ

We have a vision that NZ will be in the top 10 countries for the use of digital technology.

We are here to help our members make sense of the digital future. We’re the group helping our members make sense of the digital future through sharing experiences and knowledge about using current and new technology.

We are the voice of our members and all users in a complex digital world. We’re the only truly independent and representative voice for all users, both corporate and individual.

We know that connectivity is key to digital businesses, a growing digital economy and a force for social good.

With our members we are investing in our future leaders to equip them to be the best they can be in their own careers, in our members businesses, and which is bringing vitality to our membership.

 

About NPeW

In 2015 The Nga Pumanawa Education Trust in Rotorua tasked itself with a vision of “Rotorua is a great place to learn where all learners are engaged and excelling in their education supported by great teachers and their whanau.  Their education is enhanced by the provision of a personalised device with assured connectivity at school, at home and in their communities”

Using a collective impact strategy based on a case study out of Stanford University, NPeW took this philosophy and looked to “facilitate change” within critical areas of our community.

With understanding the current state of Rotorua, NPeW facilitated change within 5 functional areas.

We felt capability needed to be built in 5 areas within our community

  • Leadership
  • Learning
  • Engagement
  • Measurement
  • Technology.

 

From a technical perspective we understood the issue existed where, although connectivity is abundant in Rotorua the issues remain where those who can’t afford a service fall behind.

A way in which we looked to increase connectivity between whanau was to look at how we could connect our Marae to an internet service that was safe, robust & trusted. 

Then work with individual Marae to contextualise the technology to the needs of their hapu.

NPeW has worked with a number of partners since to continue on leveraging equity in the Rotorua community that leads to sustained change.

Meet the TechLeader – Liz Gosling

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Name: Liz Gosling

Role and organisation: Chief Information Officer, AUT

Tell us briefly what your role involves: I’m responsible for all of the technology provision for AUT’s 30,000 staff and students. I lead a team of 140 people, a providing a wide range of technology services , including 6,500 + desktop and laptop computers, IT and digital plans, networking, audio visual services, innovation, contracts and software licensing, customer relationships and support services, as well as the development teams and infrastructure.  We manage the balance between reliability and innovation, and enable AUT to fulfill its mission of “Great Graduates”.

What impact will technology have for all New Zealanders?  Technology has already had a big impact on the lives of New Zealanders.    A great many of us use apps to help manage our lives; from internet banking to finding our way to places, keeping in touch with our friends and families overseas via video calling, and accessing news, films and music.   Looking forward, I hope that the positive impact of technology will enhance and support our more remote rural communities, and allow them to access the best education, health and specialist services.  

What set you on the path to becoming a leader?  I worked for some great leaders and some poor ones; and learnt from both.  The great leaders showed me how you can lead people, and the poor ones taught me what not to do.  It is vital to be authentic, and the only person you can be is you, so bring your whole self to work.

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?  Listen to the team.  No one person can ever have all the answers, but if a group of bright minds with diverse perspectives come together, many problems can be solved. 

How do you motivate your team?  Within AUT, we are all motivated by what our organisation delivers – a brighter future for our students.  That’s a great advantage!  

What inspires you? Knowing that the work we do at AUT makes a difference to our society.

Favourite productivity tip?  Don’t procrastinate; sometimes getting started on things that you don’t much like to do is the hardest thing.   Sort out your priorities and then start with the most important thing.  Deal with email in allotted time slots, not all the time and then apply do, dump or delegate to each one.  

Connect with Liz on LinkedIN.

TUANZ MEDIA RELEASE : Tristan Ilich elected as the new Chair of TUANZ

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6th December 2019

At the final TUANZ Board meeting of 2019, Tristan Ilich was unanimously elected to the role of Chair.  Tristan leads Aurecon’s Data and Telco business in New Zealand with a strong focus on managing key client relationships, as well as developing new market offerings to clients in the areas of 5G and Wireless, IoT, EME, Digital Advisory, and Data & Telco Infrastructure Asset Management. He is deeply passionate about Digital Convergence, Smart Cities, IoT, Rural Connectivity and Advanced Technologies which can create real human, business and social benefits.

Tristan is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) by background, and has 25 years experience in NZ, Australia and the UK.  Tristan is the TUANZ representative on the NZ IoT Alliance (NZIoTA), a cross industry and government collaboration, working together to establish and scale up the IoT market in NZ. Tristan is also a father of five, lifestyle farmer and volunteer firefighter.

The previous Chair, Liz Gosling (CIO at AUT), stepped down as Chair this year as she has other board commitments. During her term she made a huge contribution to leading TUANZ through significant change and set the organisation on a path for future success.  She is staying on as deputy Chair ensuring her experience is retained on the Board.

“I am truly humbled and excited to be taking on the role of Chair at TUANZ. I am extremely fortunate to have the support of a highly diverse and capable board. I am looking forward to working closely with our CEO Craig Young as we continue to transform TUANZ into a future ready organization which continues to deliver value for its members” said Mr Ilich.

At the recent AGM, the results of the board elections were announced with new board members Wendy McGowan of Rural Women NZ, Will Graham, the Chief Customer Officer at Network for Learning, and the Chair of the Wellington FLINT lead team, Zoe Udy joining the Board.

For more information about the TUANZ board please see our Board page .

 

ENDS

 

WHO IS TUANZ?

 

We have a vision that NZ will be in the top 10 countries for the use of digital technology.

 

We are here to help our members make sense of the digital future. We’re the group helping our members make sense of the digital future through sharing experiences and knowledge about using current and new technology.

 

We are the voice of our members and all users in a complex digital world. We’re the only truly independent and representative voice for all users, both corporate and individual.

 

We know that connectivity is key to digital businesses, a growing digital economy and a force for social good.

 

With our members we are investing in our future leaders to equip them to be the best they can be in their own careers, in our members businesses, and which is bringing vitality to our membership.