August 10 2009 - NZICT Group and Auckland ICT have joined forces to create a new “Community of Interest”, focussed on developing better industry collaboration.

The New Zealand Information and Communication Technologies Group Inc (NZICT) and Auckland ICT Inc (previously known as Auckland ICT Cluster) have signed a charter to work together to enhance New Zealand’s competitiveness for the benefit of all New Zealanders and the growth of the ICT industry.

Signatories, NZICT’s Brett O’Riley and Auckland ICT’s Brian Moxey, welcomed the new relationship, saying it was to the advantage of both organisations and the industry to take a cohesive approach and encourage collaboration, including the pooling of resources and expertise.

“NZICT is critically interested in developing early stage companies in the ICT market and enhancing the vibrant collaborative environment that Auckland ICT has established, out of which productivity and foreign exchange benefits will accrue,” said Brett O’Riley.

“We have developed the Community of Interest engagement structure to enable established industry organisations to work together, without compromising their respective constitutional independence or goals.”

The NZICT Community of Interest will identify areas of common opportunity with a view to developing a shared work programme. Individual members of each organisation will meet regularly, and the Auckland ICT and its members will have input into NZICT industry policy platforms including: education and skills; innovation; private and public sector productivity; and industry value and relevance.  

Brian Moxey said, “The two organisations working together is both logical and beneficial.  Our concentration on the Auckland region melds well in to NZICT’s national focus and allows the flow of information, knowledge and views.”

A common theme for NZICT and Auckland ICT is exploring constraints on growth for industry participants, including capital markets, labour supply, international distribution capability and opportunities for like minded companies to collaborate.  The Community of Interest will also be the basis for developing opportunities for joint sponsorship and promotion.

The charter allows each organisation to contribute to the common cause without compromising its own constitutional objectives, said Mr O’Riley and Mr Moxey.

ends

Background information

Auckland ICT was formed in 2003 as a cluster for SME companies in the Auckland Region.  Members come from the software, electronics and education sectors. There is also a range of specialist service providers. It has grown to over 70 member companies.

The principal aim of Auckland ICT is to facilitate and promote business growth. Many of its members are involved in exporting. 

Auckland ICT encourages its members to share their experiences and members do business with each other.  The monthly networking meetings provide a forum for networking and learning. Visit www.aucklandict.org.nz for more information.

NZCT was formed in December 2008 and comprises more than 60 leading New Zealand ICT company members. It provides a single voice on issues facing the industry as a whole. It focuses on advocacy, raising the industry profile in terms of its economic delivery, and on the current skills shortage. Visit www.ict.org.nz for more information.

For further information please contact:

Auckland ICT, Brian Moxey

ph 021 841464, brian.moxey@Siliconavenue.com

NZICT, Brett O’Riley

ph 021 02709021, brett.oriley@ict.org.nz

On July 27 2009, the Auckland ICT joined the NZICT Group as a Community of Interest.

The purpose is to enable Auckland ICT and the NZICT Group to work together to develop the ICT industry and its participants, with the goal to enhance the country’s competitiveness for the betterment of all New Zealanders, and the growth of the ICT industry.

 The objectives are to:

• Create new opportunities for our respective members to collaborate at Members’ meetings and other purpose created events.
• Provide an opportunity for the Auckland ICT and its Members to provide input into the NZICT industry policy platform, including the identification of new areas for development.
• Provide an opportunity for NZICT to consult with Auckland ICT in its policy development, including the areas of skills and education; innovation and productivity; broadband infrastructure development; government procurement; regulations (including the Copyright Act and patent legislation); and industry standards.
• Provide the basis for ongoing dialogue for developing other mutual opportunities including sponsorship, programmes of work and promotions.

Related Information

• NZICT Group Auckland ICT Charter (PDF format)
• Auckland ICT website