Rural broadband fast-track welcomed
The acceleration of two rural communications initiatives announced by Government last week is good news, but more is needed, says the Telecommunications Users Association of NZ (TUANZ).
TUANZ will bring internet service providers, health providers and rural end-users of telecommunications together again to talk about the opportunities and challenges of internet access and connectivity in rural New Zealand.
This year's symposium is being held in conjunction with Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand (RHĀNZ), and New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF). It will kick off with an opening address from Communications Minister Amy Adams, and 'State of the Nation' speeches from agribusiness and banking leaders.
Each of the day's speakers come from varied backgrounds, including health, farming, businesses and technology, and will share their thoughts about the future of connectivity in rural New Zealand.
TUANZ CEO Craig Young says the focus of the day is going to be on how rural connectivity can provide better outcomes across three important areas: health, liveability, and business.
"The symposium provides a unique opportunity for those affected by rural connectivity in New Zealand to present a unified voice as the government begins to move into the next phase of the rural broadband initiative", says Young.
RHĀNZ chief executive, Michelle Thompson, says RHANZ in partnership with TUANZ and NZYF is committed to influencing the debate and policy decisions around rural connectivity with the input of those most affected by the issue – the rural residents of New Zealand.
Attendees will be actively involved during the symposium, with two workshop sessions, and panel discussions throughout the day. The partners will also publish a post-symposium paper as a summary of the major themes to emerge out of the day, both for distribution to attendees, and to help shape the thinking of internet providers and government policy makers.
Register to attend on the RHĀNZ and TUANZ websites.
The symposium is on Thursday, April 28 from 9am–5pm, at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.
