Panui 15 September
Kia ora Koutou ITP members and supporters, I learnt last week that a 6 day week is exhausting and with a full plate on Friday decided to push this pānui out today instead. So welcome to an IT Professionals pānui Monday edition!
That said I really enjoyed the Innovation Expo in Ōtautahi Christchurch on Sunday and Monday last week, speaking to the public, rangatahi (young adults), tamariki (children) and their teachers about digital technology careers. We were lucky enough to be invited by one of the E-Blacks at the event (Sam Johnson) to his new bar - One Shot Esports Bar - such an awesome concept. I read recently that 4 out of 5 Australians are gamers and 67% of our population here in Aotearoa NZ. Research is emerging that indicates gaming is really helping with the skills development for our careers eg: “the soft skills gained could assist gamers with training that leads to a particular career path” is an observation from this study.
What has really stuck in my mind since the Expo has been the discussions with rangatahi and tamariki. We asked them whether they considered themselves "digital natives" a term frequently used by adults and decision makers - the answer was a resounding no! they know how to use their devices and apps but recognise there is so much more they can learn.
We also asked what concerns them the most about digital technology? Key themes here were Consent eg: consent when images are posted of them, or consent when others write about them on social media; Addiction eg: addiction to gaming, to social media; Teachers - wishing their teachers could help them more with these challenges and others like cyber bullying, that teachers would show vulnerability and admit what they don't know but be prepared to learn together.
I also ventured up to the Manawatū last week for a member meetup. It was a fantastic group with great questions and insights to share. We discussed the workforce challenges regional New Zealand face, how the long reach of government procurement can slow things down for them locally, why Palmerston North and others larger towns are investing more heavily than our largest cities in developing talent, taking on interns and graduates - think local, act local is a very strong theme.
I do love these opportunities to listen and learn from local communities.
Bridging the Gap Podcast
This week we have a new podcast with Bronwyn Scott the Co-GM of digital technology education charity Digital Future Aotearoa. Bronnie has had an incredibly varied career - she’s been a pilot, event manager and now focused on closing the digital divide. We have worked together for 10 years so this is a very relaxed podcast discussing impact, career pivots and collaboration.
You can listen to Bronwyn on Apple or Spotify - along with all of our other episodes.
Events
“Sunshine Wages” debate in Wakatu Nelson - or Nelsunny as my sisters and I call it.
The Nelson branch of ITP is organising a debate on Sunshine Wages, with great speakers like Ali Boswijk, former Deputy Mayor and CEO of the Nelson Chamber of Commerce teaming up with ITP board member Simon Ferrari and taking the negative side.
All welcome, there is a $10 overcharge for the venue. You can register here.
CITRENZ
Reminder for anyone interested in Vocational Education that the CITRENZ conference is later this month. Details can be found here.
Seed impact conference
The fabulous Steven Moe is running his annual Seeds conference for anyone working in the impact space. It’s an online conference with zoom breakout rooms on impact businesses, measuring impact, innovation and so much more. You can read about and register here.
Member events
- Dunedin folks there is a curry night on September 19th - tomorrow. Details here.
- ITP members - the next Tech Chat Tuesday is coming up on the 3rd of October, let me know what theme or topics you would like to cover. Register here.
Cyber things in the news
Other interesting things in the news in short
Blogs this week
Peter’s editorial on Friday is on - Time to get serious about digital twins and infrastructure - this is really topical after meeting a number of digital twin projects at the innovation expo last week. Peter is calling on the next government to really invest, reduce data silo’s and build capacity.
Peter also wrote on - A breakout year for generative AI - but how is it being used? Reflecting on McKinsey’s recent report findings.
The AI Wrap posted on Friday has a spotlight on local AI news, Auror’s new resources, insights on regulation in Aotearoa and protecting Mātauranga Māori. Plus addressing consumer harms, asks the question - are we heading for an AI Winter and shares a load of articles to read.
Brendan was quite taken by the iPhone 15 and the need for Apple to comply with EU laws on standardising charging cables, so it’s got a USB-C not a lightning port.
Finally, Peter also reports on an upcoming trade delegation with Israel and a call to politicians in both Israel and New Zealand to create an NZ Israel Innovation Hub.
Digital Technology Te Reo Māori terms
It was Māori language week last week, I do hope you all gave some of your new vocabulary a go. I discovered a load of fun resources online, none in our space but everyday language like this one from Four Square - Translate your kai and other items into the red Māori. Love it.
patopato is type or typing
papa pātuhi is keyboard, pātuhi is key and pokotata papa pātuhi is keyboard shortcut
Here is a link to the list of terms we have shared this year.
Finally - There isn’t much more to say this week beyond - Up the Wahs!!!!! Kia pai tō rā (have a great day), Vic.
