Wanted: Tech minister open to change
New Zealand needs a ‘‘ministry for the future’’ to help society and the Government take best advantage of a ‘‘technologically-enabled future’’, tech organisations say.
Graeme Muller, head of NZTech, one of 20 organisations behind a ‘‘manifesto’’ sent to all MPs on Tuesday, suggested rapid change may be upon us.
The price of synthetic meat had fallen from $325,000 a kilo in 2013 to $12, while the cost of sensors needed for self-driving cars had plummeted from $350,000 to less than $1000 in six years, he said.
The 12 goals in the 22-page manifesto include ensuring New Zealand is ‘‘recognised as a world leader in equipping its citizens for the changing economy’’ and welcomes migrants with ‘‘genuine skills’’ that are in high demand in the tech sector.
More tangible requests include: the creation of the new ministry; ‘‘parity’’ between urban and rural internet speeds; and for tech products and services to become the country’s largest export.
A ministry along the lines of that suggested by the tech organisations would arguably not be completely unprecedented.
Sweden’s minister for strategic development and Nordic cooperation between 2014 and 2016, Kristina Persson, was dubbed ‘‘minister of the future’’ by some media after she was appointed to lead a government project titled Mission: Future.
Muller believed the United Kingdom was also considering an initiative along similar lines.
InternetNZ chief executive Jordan Carter said the manifesto provided a ‘‘route-map for New Zealand’s success’’.
Paul Matthews, chief executive of IT Professionals NZ, another of the groups behind the manifesto, said such collaboration in the tech sector was ‘‘unprecedented’’.
‘‘We hope all parties will support changes needed to ensure a modern future-focused education system, while also focusing on badly needed change to how public research is funded in New Zealand,’’ he said.