NZTech backs $1 million for digital technology projects

NZTech has backed the Government’s move to put $1 million into digital technology projects.

Education Minister Hekia Parata announced that funding for education and digital technologies providers who have ideas for engaging projects.

The funding is part of a broader package of curriculum support for schools to strengthen digital technologies in the New Zealand curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.

NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says the announcement is a positive sign from the minister.

“One of the concerns of the tech sector was that the education system would move too slow, however this is a very clear message from the government that there is urgency, and that they are willing to start investing in helping the education system prepare for the introduction of digital technology,” Muller says.

“A phased approach is a sensible option as there is no silver bullet. It will take some time to develop some robust national curricula for digital technologies, ensure teachers have the professional development to deliver a new curricula and the teaching resources to deliver it well.

“Digital skills are critical for our kids’ abilities to lead a productive working life. Additionally, with the tech sector growth accelerating at 7.5% per annum, our economy will also succeed or fail on our ability to produce tech savvy kids.

“While $1 million dollars won’t change the entire system, it will provide the opportunity for new innovative partnerships between schools and tech savvy providers. It hopefully also sends a strong message to school boards and leaders that this is serious and all schools should be demanding support,” he says.

NZTech is the voice of the New Zealand technology sector and represents over 300 organisations and 57,000 tech employees from across the New Zealand technology landscape from startups and local tech firms to multinationals and from ICT to high tech manufacturing.