The Digital Development Council and the Digital Development Forum were set up in July 2008 to help New Zealand become a world leader in using information and technology. Recognising that there are many organisations in this space, it was designed to forge a stronger digital alliance and build a national action plan.

However, the new Government, elected in November 2008, preferred to work directly with the individual bodies, and in February 2009, the Government confirmed it would withdraw core funding for the Digital Development Council.

The Council had intended to use this funding as a springboard to launch projects and seek supporting funds from outside government. However, in the absence of government funding and support, Council members decided to dis-establish the DDC as an Incorporated Society.

Achievements

In its short life, the DDC helped establish stronger links between a number of ICT organisations that will outlast the formal model. This included connections with and between Maori ICT interests through the positive contributions of the Te Hurahi Tika Trust.

In October 2008, soon after the first (and only) meeting of the Forum, the DDC appointed an Executive Director who drew up a work programme to cover three key gaps that members felt must be addressed for a successful national broadband plan.

1. Regional capability to deliver a comprehensive national broadband plan.
2. A joined-up national action plan to tackle digital inclusion and lift our digital skills, moving beyond the various good, but piecemeal, initiatives in place.
3. Uptake of smart ICT solutions to improve productivity and drive effective broadband uptake by small and medium sized businesses and the not-for-profit sector.

The work programme – with its ‘think global, act local’ approach to help regions with their broadband plans, and build digital skills from the community upwards –  still resonates and has a big part to play in creating a successful digital future for New Zealand.

The Digital Development Forum met in September 2008, to represent the varied interests of the wider digital community, including the ICT industry, business, local government, teachers, researchers, scientists, volunteers, and individual users.