1. Introduction
1.1 The digital strategy
The vision: New Zealand will be a world leader in using information and technology to realise its economic, social, environmental and cultural goals, to the benefit of all New Zealanders.
The 2005 Digital Strategy painted a picture of how we would create a digital future for all New Zealanders, using the power of information and communications technology to enhance all aspects of our lives. In the past three years, the strategy’s vision and strategic framework have been tested by many key developments. Communities, businesses and government organisations have also responded to the challenges and together forged a strong understanding of how digital technology is transforming our lives, industries and civic participation.
Revolutionary change has occurred in telecommunications since the 2005 Digital Strategy called for rapid progress on connection issues. Robust, pro-competitive settings have been put in place, following the 2005-06 Telecommunications Stocktake, resulting in the urgent passage of the Telecommunications Amendment Act 2006. The Act marked the beginning of a new era in New Zealand’s telecommunications environment – the unbundling of the local loop, the operational separation of Telecom New Zealand and a much stronger role for the Telecommunications Commissioner.
Many of the targets of the 2005 Digital Strategy have now been achieved, while others remaining are not ambitious enough in the current environment. New challenges, such as those posed by digital convergence or by our rapidly growing energy consumption, have also risen to prominence. We need a refreshed digital strategy – Digital Strategy 2.0 – that builds on the original framework and actions, yet reflects today’s concerns and incorporates the latest thinking of our digital technology leaders and innovators.
This is your opportunity to take part in the national conversation about our digital future. In this chapter, we summarise the progress made since the launch of the 2005 Digital Strategy. Chapter 2 describes the big changes of the past few years and outlines the challenges identified at the Digital Future Summit 2.0. Chapters 3–5 cover the new goals, priorities and challenges for the digital enablers – connection, confidence and content – and what the government intends to do about them. Chapter 6 indentifies the collaboration partners necessary to achieve our digital potential. Chapter 7 outlines the outcomes made possible by being digital, and Chapter 8 explains how you can have your say on this draft strategy.
Do you think the Draft Digital Strategy 2.0 fairly reflects the digital issues and challenges New Zealand needs to confront over the next few years? Tell us your views and work with us to achieve our digital potential.