Digital Strategy 2.0 launched

Communications and Information Technology Minister David Cunliffe has launched Digital Strategy 2.0, a vision for making New Zealanders leaders in the digital world and using digital technologies, skills and opportunities to contribute to our future prosperity and sustainability.

Digital Strategy 2.0 recognises that the basic enablers of digital development such as connection are important as they were when the original Strategy was launched in 2005. It goes on to focus on how we can maximise the potential of digital technologies to increase productivity, improve environmental sustainability, and build social inclusiveness. This is reflected in the Strategy's new focus on outcomes.

The Strategy includes a number of actions that will help achieve these outcomes.

New projects such as Connected New Zealand and the Digital Content Innovation Cluster are being introduced, and initiatives such as the adoption of videoconferencing by government agencies, the Aotearoa People's Network and the Community Partnership Fund are being expanded.

A major initiative of the Strategy is the $340 million for the Broadband Investment Fund over three years from Budget 2008, to enable affordable broadband roll-out based on competitive open-access principles. This is part of the $500 million the government has committed to investing in broadband infrastructure over the next five years. Expressions of interest for the Broadband Investment Fund opened earlier this week.

Digital Strategy 2.0 is available online at www.digitalstrategy.govt.nz.