Published on the 02/12/2016 | Written by Newsdesk
Week-long celebration of technology and innovation scheduled for May 2017…
The New Zealand Technology Industry Association (NZTech) has put out a call for expressions of interest as it works towards putting on a national festival of events under the banner of ‘Techweek ’17’. The organisation has effectively piloted the idea this year in Auckland, hosting 55 events which it said attracted some 10,000 participants, and is looking to go large next year.
The ambitions for Techweek are substantial; in NZTech’s newsletter, CE Graeme Muller said the event will be used to inspire kiwis and build the capability of local technology businesses.
With NZTech representing over 400 IT organisations and some 67,000 IT workers, in an industry which has become enormously diverse around the world and right here in New Zealand, there should be no shortage of topics, experiences and insights to be offered up at the event.
In its call for papers, Muller said the organisation will leverage the support of numerous passionate people from a variety of tech communities, government agencies and cities throughout New Zealand. “Right now we are accepting expressions of interest for any event, community or organisation that might like to host an activity during Techweek’17,” he added.
Events are focused in three streams; Inspire, Build Capability and Showcase.
To inspire, said Muller, “We will see regional activities that engage local communities and kids in tech. For example, local Code Clubs and council activity.” NZTech is currently in discussions with the Ministry of Education to have Techweek’17 running in every school, and it working to secure national TV coverage and live streaming of events.
To build capability, he said the organisation is working with regional economic development agencies and Callaghan Innovation to stimulate local communities to put on events, meet-ups and pitch practice.
To showcase, Techweek’17 will schedule events to attract international investors. “Working with NZTE, we are inviting international media and investors to showcase events culminating in the annual Hi-Tech Awards,” said Muller.
Ultimately, he said Techweek is about showcasing New Zealand’s best tech to international investors and building a global reputation as a high-tech nation. Techweek’17 will be bigger and better [than the Auckland event this year], running in every city from May 6-14.”
