New Zealand is already a forward-thinking digital economy. Its investment in broadband, combined with an open and free internet, has the capacity to catapult New Zealand forward - growing its economy and bringing the world to its doorstep.

Last week, we attended the NetHui in Auckland organised by InternetNZ - a meeting of people who care about the Internet’s effect on New Zealand. The NetHui brought together government, industry, universities, civil society groups and more. It was an opportunity for robust discussion about the potential social and economic benefits of the Internet, as well as some of its challenges.

The forum’s discussions focused on:
  • how Kiwis can be supported to be active and empowered digital citizens;
  • the challenges posed by the internet on issues such as censorship and copyright;
  • the benefits of open government and making information available to the public; and
  • the internet’s potential to increase access to a diverse range of content and services.
Harvard Professor Lawrence Lessig was there and he delivered a compelling keynote, which received a standing ovation. Lessig discussed how equality on the Internet causes people to feel entitled to engage - and that yields change in different ways by stimulating innovation and invigorating the sharing and creation of culture. You can see the full version of his keynote on YouTube: it’s a fascinating insight into the great power of the internet as an equaliser of society and a catalyst for change.

Posted by Ishtar Vij and Matt Dawes, Public Policy and Government Affairs, Google Australia and New Zealand