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Views sought for development of Otago Digital Strategy

Friday 9 November 2012, 4:18PM

By Waitaki District Council

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As part of the preparation of an Otago-wide Digital Strategy, Waitaki residents and businesses are being invited to explain their future internet, digital skills and service needs to help make the District a great place to live, work and play.

Four local councils (Central Otago District Council, Clutha District Council, Dunedin City Council and Waitaki District Council), as well as the Otago Regional Council, are working together to develop the Digital Strategy for the region.

Waitaki District Council Chief Executive, Michael Ross explained the strategy will provide a plan of action that will best equip and prepare each community to take advantage of current and future digital opportunities.

“Broadband is the infrastructure of the future – which our communities must have access to , whether it be for business or community use, distance learning or health services, or just Skypeing your kids from home. If we aren’t online – we won’t be part of the greater digital world. We must ensure that we make the most of the opportunity to ensure that our communities are connected into this future!”

Development of the strategy is being led by the Digital Office. The first step in the strategy is to understand the needs and challenges local communities and businesses are facing across Otago through a survey via: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OtagoDigitalStrategy or through libraries and Council Service Centres.

Stuart Dillon-Roberts from the Digital Office explained “this is an exciting opportunity for Otago, a chance to understand the digital challenges across our region and build a vision on how we can connect, grow and capitalise on digital technology”

Results from the survey will be made available in the New Year with a target to have the Otago Digital Strategy developed by March 2013.  For the latest news on the progress of the strategy please visit the Digital Office website (www.digitaloffice.co.nz).