Top Kiwi tech innovator appointed to NZTech Board

One of New Zealand's most experienced technology innovators has been appointed as an independent board member of industry association, the New Zealand Technology Industry Association (NZTech).

The Mind Lab founder and Chairperson Frances Valintine has been appointed to the board following a process that saw more than 20 people nominated for the position.

"I am delighted to be appointed as the new independent director on the board of NZTech," Valintine says.

"I have a commitment to increased alignment between talent development within our education institutes and future opportunities and ICT industry needs."

Valintine says there's tremendous scope and potential for New Zealand to be a significant contributor in new and emerging growth sectors including 3D printing, software visualisation, technology sustainability and online security.

"Through agility, creative innovation and development of new capability New Zealand can increase our contribution in contemporary and future ICT sectors," she adds.

Valintine says while technology education is at the heart of her focus, she has a deep passion for raising awareness of the need for business preparedness for tomorrow's world and tomorrow's customer.

NZTech Chair Bennett Medary says the board was overwhelmed with the response and the calibre of the people who were nominated for the role.

Valintine is well credentialed for her new role on the board of NZTech - she co-founded Media Design School and founded Shoko Ltd, an interactive development company in Auckland, including the development of a world-first interactive patented product 'Brandplay' in 2006.

Currently holding numerous board positions including Education New Zealand, Valintine is also a member of the ministerial-appointed Small Business Development Group that brings the voice of small business into government.

Valintine has previously held board positions for the Santa Fe University of Art & Design, New Zealand Game Developers Association, and CDC the Creative Development Creation Industry Group (2011/2012).

The Mind Lab won at the recent Talent Unleashed award for best new start up business in Asia/Pacific judged by Steve Wozniak and Sir Richard Branson and she's also been a winner at the Film & Television awards and the NZ CIO Awards in 2014.