News, views and reviews from NZ’s tech sector No Images? Click here Dear , Last year the New Zealand Digital Skills Forum sounded warning bells for New Zealand over a growing digital skills shortage. It wasn’t the first time we’d heard the warnings, as the rapid growth in software development and the uptake in technology usage by business outstripped training initiatives. But with all the talk, what is actually being done about it? As we discovered, the good news is that plenty of companies are trying to address the issue. Programmes such as Microsoft’s Imagine Cup give computer science students real-world experience in entrepreneurship, with graduate programmes and internships also providing real life experience. Other companies are looking to tackle the problem even earlier – encouraging younger students to develop a love for technology. But there’s still a lot of work to be done, and it’s urgent as it drives our global competitiveness. It’s not just a problem for training institutes. We need industry, schools, universities and the wider New Zealand business community to work together to close the gap and ensure New Zealand continues to excel in the technology domain. In other news:
We also take a look at how an Office 365 and SharePoint solution has improved business operations, efficiency and productivity for Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland and enabled them to spend more time on the water and less time in the office. Happy reading! Heather Wright Digital skills shortage: Whatcha gonna do?Yup, there's a skills shortage. But what are tech companies doing to help?... It’s an often heard refrain from the New Zealand, and global, market: There’s a serious shortage of available ICT skills and it’s hampering business. “Technology firms are looking for people with more experience so they need to take some responsibility.” Govt marketplace opens doors for smaller, emerging providersBut will agencies embrace 'buy Kiwi'?... A new Government IT procurement marketplace may help put ‘buy Kiwi’ back on the radar for government agencies. “Momentum needs to be maintained to ensure work is done to improve the culture around procurement across Government.” Help wanted: National digital leaders apply withinThe government has its fair share of challenges when it comes to digital and data – and finding competent leaders is one of them... Senior technology leadership in government is a recognised urgent need to deliver upon the burgeoning needs and expectations of the populace. “We have the technology, it seems, but not the will. With the right leadership however, that could all change.” Is Stuff Stuffed?Media mergers pose a much bigger question – who will pay?... Fairfax Media is looking to merge with Australian broadcaster, Channel 9, what does it mean for the New Zealand media-scape? “Although the list of potential suitors is small, each would need a clear strategy to make Stuff profitable." Reality arrives for virtualNext level VR opens up world of possibilities… I’m ill-equipped to survive in the virtual world. My gaming credentials are next to nil. Knocking out the alien spaceship in Phoenix was about the peak of my powers. “I was willing to take on the shame to see for myself where the technology has got to, and where it might go.” Less time behind a keyboard, more time on the waterOffice 365 and SharePoint bring collaboration and a single source of truth into an easy to use system, used across 25 locations… Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland (VMRAQ) provides volunteer marine search and rescue services to the boating public across 2,700km of Queensland coast, with 25 affiliated squadrons located throughout the State of Queensland. “25 locations, 50 vessels, 1460 volunteers, over 2500 rescues and more than 6000 rescue vessel operations a year.” This week's sponsor: Upcoming events: > New Zealand Esri User Conference 2018 | Aug 20 | Auckland iStart is proudly supported by these leading Latest Buyer's Guides ERP Buyer's Guide | CRM Buyer's Guide | HR/HCM Buyer's Guide | BI Buyer's Guide Privacy statement: We have sent this weekly eNewsletter to you at your e-mail address: [email address suppressed]. iStart will never share your e-mail address, but you may from time to time receive other event invitations or partner communications from us. You can opt out of these by managing your subscription preferences, where you can also update your e-mail address and other details. Find out more about iStart | Advertise with iStart | Subscribe
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