TUANZ lays out 2020 roadmap to lead Kiwi businesses into new digital age
- 05 October, 2015 04:30
Building on 30 years of representing telecommunications users, TUANZ is setting out in a new strategic direction to ensure New Zealanders can make the most of the digitally connected world.
TUANZ’ vision is to work collaboratively with industry and government to make sure that by 2020 New Zealand is among the top ten countries for business use of digital technology.
TUANZ Chair Pat O’Connell says TUANZ has always been and will remain an independent and professional organisation that represents the interests of the users of digital technology.
“Our role will continue to be to put the business user at the centre of industry and government decision making in a sector that is going to define our economy for the foreseeable future,” O’Connell says.
“Digital technology and connectivity are the defining opportunities of the modern era, and throughout New Zealand we need to inform, educate and support businesses to raise their digital competency and take advantage of the opportunity in the digital economy.”
The telecommunications and technology industries are undergoing a period of rapid change, with the government’s investment in Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) and the Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI), its Green Paper on digital convergence, and the ongoing review of the Telecommunications Act.
O’Connell says that the moment is right to make decisions and put in place structures that will ensure New Zealand has a telecommunications and technology industry that is focused on delivering users exceptional service and support through fair and sustainable competition.
“TUANZ’ role is to help everyday New Zealand businesses - the users of digital connectivity - to get their needs and interests in front of industry and government, with a focus on achieving outcomes which will see our members’ businesses succeed,” O’Connell adds.
“New Zealanders deserve ubiquitous and high-quality connectivity across the country.
“Our opportunity is to provide decision makers in industry and government with informed, credible and independent advice on what business users expect to get out of their investment in digital technology.”
New direction
O’Connell has also welcomed six new members to the TUANZ board, saying that their election will bring “energy and ambition” to the help execute the organisation’s new strategic direction.
“The appointment of our six new board members shows that there is excitement about where TUANZ is heading and what it can offer New Zealand businesses as users of digital technology,” he adds.
“It is fantastic to see some young faces, as well as so many women, represented on our board.
“TUANZ will also benefit from having people from a wide range of sectors and organisations, which shows just how deeply technology is changing every sector and industry of the New Zealand economy.”
O’Connell says the new board will get to work immediately, implementing TUANZ’ new strategic direction.
The new board members are:
- Donna Spargo – Downer NZ
- Guy Alexander – Xero
- Jenna Woolley – Network for Learning Limited
- Liz Gosling – Auckland University of Technology
- Maxine Elliot – Vocus Communications
They join existing board members:
- David Clarke – independent
- Kevin Drinkwater – Mainfreight
- Mike Foley – Auckland Council
- David Gatland – independent
- Doug Wilson – New Zealand Automobile Association
The new board members are replacing retiring board members John Crisp from Transpower and Marianne Archibald from the Whanganui District Council, as well as filling four new positions on the extended board with O’Connell re-elected for a 12-month term.