New Zealand’s digital technologies sector draft of the Industry Transformation Plan has been released for a consultation to help the country’s digital technologies sector fulfil its full growth potential and accelerate economic recovery. 

Digital Economy and Communications Minister David Clark stated that the digital technologies sector draft will not only help the country’s sector but also generate high paying jobs and high-value export revenue. 

“Despite the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the digital technologies sector is thriving, growing at nearly twice the rate of the general economy. It is now a major exporter for New Zealand and contributed $6.6 billion to the economy in 2019,” Minister Clark said. 

“This ITP is a way we can collaborate with the industry to help lift productivity, increase exports and further employment opportunities. We are aware the tech sector is a transitioning industry for New Zealand, and we need to support the industry to grow.” 

Under the plan, the New Zealand Government is prioritising the creation of strong foundations, taking advantage of accelerated growth opportunities, and building Māori participation in the sector 

Minister Clark stated that the industry made it clear that the sector needs to have the right people in order for it to grow as there has been a “skills mismatch” in the previous years. 

“The key to our future success is training our workforce with the right skills. If we want to train world-class tech experts, they need to be learning from the best,” he said. 

“That’s why, at the end of last year, I announced border class exceptions for 600 much-needed tech specialists to enter New Zealand and relieve some of the pressure on our tech firms.” 

The New Zealand Government will be honing in on specific areas in the sector such as software development, product managers, cyber security and interactive media.  

Aside from this, there is also an industry commitment to growing local talent as part of the ITP. 

“I’m proud to release this draft ITP today. I look forward to hearing from the sector and other interested parties on shaping the final plan so that it achieves success in addressing both the short-term and long-term opportunities and challenges for the sector,” Minister Clark said. 

Source: Beehive.govt.nz

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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