Tech sector ‘strong, growing’

Exports of the country’s information and communications technology and services are closing in on $1 billion, according to a report from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Exports in the 2016 financial year were up 15 per cent to $950 million. The country is also attracting a growing number of IT workers from overseas, with 5046 work visas approved in the year to June 2016. That was up from 4568 the previous year. Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges said the report painted a picture of a ‘‘strong and growing sector’’.