Government launches Digital Strategy for Aotearoa
The Government has launched its Digital Strategy for Aotearoa. The strategy, which has been in development for two years, is intended to bring together disparate policy work programmes that touch on digital issues and create a united vision.
During the public consultation last year, the draft strategy was criticised for lack of detail and an implementation plan. The finalised strategy remains high level but is accompanied by an action plan that provides a timeline for specific government policies and actions in pursuit of the Strategy’s objectives.
Key objectives of the strategy are that, by 2032:
- All New Zealanders feel safe and supported online.
- The economic impacts of cyber incidents in New Zealand are lower than comparable nations.
- All New Zealanders are able to use verified digital identity should they choose to.
- High-speed internet is available to all New Zealanders.
- All New Zealanders have the tools, skills and confidence to do all they want online.
- All New Zealanders can afford a quality internet connection and internet-enabled device.
- Digital and information and communications technology (ICT) exports on track to becoming New Zealand’s leading export earner.
- All New Zealand businesses are born digital, and supported to adopt the digital tools that work for them.
- The digital sector employs more than 10% of the New Zealand workforce in high value jobs.
These are in pursuit of goals laid out under three groups:
Mahi Tika — Trust
- New Zealanders feel safe and empowered in online environments.
- Organisations and businesses design and use digital technologies and data in fair, culturally appropriate, trustworthy ways.
- Our digital and data infrastructures are fit-for-purpose and secure.
Mahi Tahi — Inclusion
- All New Zealanders have the tools, skills and confidence to participate in an increasingly digital society.
- Digital infrastructure, content and services meet people’s diverse needs.
Mahi Ake — Growth
- Our businesses and organisations innovate and increase productivity using digital technologies and data.
- We have a thriving, fast growing and inclusive tech sector.
Roadmap
The accompanying roadmap lays out a timeline for government to undertake a number of actions in pursuit of these outcomes. Many of these are not new but Minister Clark says the Strategy is an ‘alignment of visions’ across the government:
2022 initiatives
- Digital Boost checkable tool launched
- Innovation Trailblazer grant launched
- Māori Data Governance initiative co-design and implementation continues
- Activation of Tech Story
- 5G spectrum allocated
- Pacific Community Digital Hubs established
- Digital Identity Services Trust Framework Bill passed
2023 initiatives
- Lifting Connectivity in Aotearoa launched
- Remote Users Scheme commences
- Christchurch Call leaders meeting (2023)
- Digital Skills and Talent Plan being implemented
- Digital Device Fund rollout
- Data roadmap for Cyber Resilience Measurement Framework created
- Digital accessibility and connectivity support to Pacific communities via 0800 Tech Hub line rolled out
2024 initiatives
- Rural connectivity upgrades complete
- Pacific science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) internships programme with industry partners established
- Data collection and creation for Cyber Resilience Measurement Framework begins
- Dedicated Digital Skills Body in place (not yet funded or committed into work programme)
2025 initiatives
- Data, Ethics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre established (not yet funded or committed into work programme)
- National Digital Twin infrastructure and interoperability (not yet funded or committed into work programme)
2026 initiatives
- Digital economy measurement framework in place (not yet funded or committed into work programme)
- Hira (National health information platform) complete
Ongoing work programmes 2022–2027
- NZ Cyber Security Strategy implementation
- Christchurch Call Action Plan implementation
- Digital Inclusion Action Plan
- Te Pae Tawhiti Transformation Programme (MSD)
- Digital Commerce programme (NZTE)
- Office for Seniors Digital Literacy Training Initiative
- Te Whata data platform and Pacific Data Fale o Aotearoa delivery
It will be clear that many of these implementation actions lack detail at present, let alone funding and resourcing. Minister Clark told digital industry leaders at the launch of the Strategy that funding will be subject to future budget bids.
Next steps
Individual government agencies will continue with developing and implementing the policies they are responsible for, as prior to the creation of the Strategy.
The Strategy notes: “It will be important that these efforts are joined up to ensure progress towards the vision and goals in this Strategy. There will also be the need for coordination across the different initiatives and agencies that support the Strategy.”
There will be 3 levels of engagement and oversight to support the Digital Strategy:
- ministerial: provided by the Digital Ministers Group
- departmental: provided by a cross-agency leadership group
- multi-stakeholder forum: including community, business, civil society and with Māori as Tiriti / Treaty partners.