While there was a big turnout for the first meeting of the Digital Development Forum, with representatives from many sectors attending, the primary and transport industries were under-represented. They had also been lumped in with general “business” — despite their facing specific challenges, said attendees.
The formation of the Digital Development Forum, a crucial part of the ICT representative group Digital Development New Zealand, is a little delayed, but not enough to worry its government backers, according to Ministry of Economic Development link-man Brad Ward.
Digital Development NZ, the new umbrella organisation for the ICT industry, will provide “a clear, independent voice, right to the top levels of government” says ICT Minister David Cunliffe, who formally launched the organisation and its Council last week.