Minister for government digital services Megan Woods has announced a Digital Inclusion Blueprint, designed to help New Zealanders take full advantage of the internet, and help the Government identify groups of New Zealanders struggling to access online services.
She said the blueprint would be used to coordinate the planning of different Government and community initiatives, and identify where future investment and action are needed.
The blueprint along with a digital inclusion action plan is available on the Digital Government website (digital.govt.nz).
Woods said that, as the Internet was having an increasing impact on the lives of New Zealanders, “It’s important that all New Zealanders have the tools and skills they need to access online services and use the internet safely and securely. hellip; We want to ensure no one is left out or left behind as more and more of our lives move online.”
The Blueprint is a product of the Digital Economy and Digital Inclusion Ministerial Advisory Group) formed in mid 2018.
In a speech to Government Information Systems Forum then digital services minister, Clare Curran said the group would provide support and advice to the Government CTO. (However after difficulties in finding a suitable candidate the Government abandoned attempts to fill the role in December 2018.)
“[The group is] working on advice for the Government on how we can build the digital economy and reduce the digital divides,” Curran said.
“One of its first tasks will be to help create a blueprint for digital inclusion. The blueprint for digital inclusion is about a future state, which helps us define where we are heading and how we might get there.”
Plans to form the group were announced in December 2017 by then digital services minister, Clare Curran who said it would “bring immediate focus and a plan to ensure all Kiwis have affordable access to digital services, and the motivation, skills and trust to fully participate in our digital world.”
The first eight members were named in March 2018. In April 2018 Woods named an additional seven members. No further announcements of membership have been issued.