Institute of IT Professionals New Zealand

Hi ,

NZRise, in conjunction with the Wellington City Council and the Institute of IT Professionals, invites you to a free half-day workshop on 'Delivering Digital Development' in the Wellington region. This is next week!

This is a great opportunity for those interested in the development of our sector in the Wellington region. Based on the Wellington Digital Strategy, the workshop will be opened by the Mayor of Wellington and will include case studies and group discussions exploring the three key areas as set out in the strategy.

The aim of the strategy (adopted in September 2011) is to set the direction for Wellington to achieve global recognition as a creative digital city and, alongside other goals, evolve Wellington to the "Creative Digital Capital".

Registration is essential (details below). The Wellington Digital Strategy can be downloaded here.

Time and place

The workshop will be held on:

Thursday, 30 May 2013, 8:00am to 12:00pm

Council Chambers
Level 1
Wellington Town Hall
111 Wakefield Street
Wellington

Registration

Attendance is strictly limited, so please click here to register your interest today.

Agenda

The Agenda is as follows:

8:00am - Coffee and networking

8:30am - Welcome and introductions

8:45am - Opening comments by Celia Wade-Brown, Mayor of Wellington

9:00am - Progress and case studies

9:20am - Group discussion:

• How can we encourage innovation both within our own organisations and within the region?
• What do we need to do to facilitate the growth and development of the? digital technology sector within the region?
• What trends and issues do we need to consider in the future?

10:30am - Report-back

11:15am - Wrap-up and concluding comments

11:30am - Coffee and networking

12:00pm - Close

Hope to see you there!

Hi ,

As you may know, the Institute of IT Professionals (IITP) has been operating ICT-Connect, an in-school programme, over the past 18 months to help encourage and inspire secondary school students to consider IT as a career option.

We have extended the program to include a regional careers expo, the first of which is being held in Christchurch on Wednesday 29th May. As a member or someone interested in IITP activities, will you help us make this a success?

ICT-Connect Careers Expo

This free event is being held at the Aurora Centre at Burnside High School and is open to all secondary students and their parents from the Christchurch and surrounding areas. 

IITP has released the latest IITP Newsline.

In This Issue:

• Paul Matthews: How to avoid the IT Hall of Shame
• Michael Dutton: Head-to-head: Mobile banking in NZ
• IITP Events Team: Major IITP events announced
• ictevents.co.nz: 10% off CIO Summit for members
• ictevents.co.nz: HINZ HealthIT Research Seminar
• ICT around town: All the latest ICT-related events in your area

IITP has released the latest IITP Newsline.

In This Issue:

• Guy Burgess: Software patents are history: How it will work
• IITP Press Releases: Release: IT Professionals support removal of Software Patents
• Statistics New Zealand: Statistics on technology use
• ictevents.co.nz: Business Analysis Skills Development Forum
• ictevents.co.nz: Hi-Tech Awards Gala Dinner
• ICT around town: All the latest ICT-related events in your area

The Institute of IT Professionals, New Zealand's largest IT representative body, strongly supports the Government's announcement today clarifying that software will not be patentable in New Zealand, removing a major barrier to software-led innovation.

IITP chief executive Paul Matthews said today that while the Institute supports Intellectual Property protection in general, the consensus amongst IT Professionals was that the patent system simply doesn't work for software. Thus today's announcement from Commerce Minister Foss was warmly welcomed.

"The Institute acknowledges this is a complex issue with many arguments for and against patentability of software. However on balance, it is in New Zealand's best interests for software to continue to be covered through the provisions of Copyright in the same way movies and books are, rather than through the patent system which has significant problems," Matthews said.

Discussion on the Patents Bill, currently before Parliament, has been ongoing. In 2010 the Commerce Select Committee considered the issue in depth and unanimously recommending that software not be patentable. This resulted in significant lobbying from patent lawyers and others. In 2012 Minister Foss released a Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) that many believed could reverse this position. However today's SOP from the Minister makes the intentions of the law very clear.

"The Institute thanks Minister Foss for responding to industry concerns, clarifying the Patents Bill's intention to remove patentability of software and for taking extra steps to ensure the law around software patents is clear and unambiguous," Matthews said. "Software will not be patentable in New Zealand and a major barrier to software innovation has been removed".

"We also acknowledge the work of United Future's Peter Dunne, Labour's Clare Curran and other political parties who have listened to the industry's concerns and contributed towards a solution," Matthews said. "It's great that all parties support software-led innovation in New Zealand."

While not unanimous, there is strong consensus from the industry against software patents. "In a recent poll of over 1000 New Zealand IT Professionals across the sector, around 94% of those with a view wanted to see software patents gone," Matthews said. Separately, a petition launched by the industry against software patents received over 1,000 signatures in under a week.

"The patent system doesn't work for software. We believe it's near impossible for software to be developed without breaching some of the hundreds of thousands of software patents awarded around the world, often for 'obvious' work," Matthews said. "Thus many software companies in New Zealand, creating outstanding and innovative software, live with a constant risk that their entire business could be threatened due to litigious action by a patent holder."

Ian McCrae, chief executive of New Zealand's largest software exporter Orion Health agreed, saying today "We welcome this announcement. Under the current regime, obvious things are getting patented. You might see a logical enhancement to your software, but you can't do it because someone else has a patent. In general, software patents are counter-productive, often used obstructively and get in the way of innovation. We are a software company and as such, our best protection is to innovate and innovate fast."

John Ascroft, Chief Innovation Officer of Jade Corporation said "We believe the patent process is onerous, not suited to the software industry, and challenges our investment in innovation."

Orion and Jade together account for around 50% of software exports from New Zealand.

ENDS

About the Institute of IT Professionals (IITP)

The Institute of IT Professionals is the professional body for those working in the Information Technology industry. With thousands of members nationwide, the Institute is the largest IT representative body in New Zealand.

The Institute works closely with Industry, Government and Academia however is a fully independent non-profit body; founded, operated and governed by IT Professionals. The Institute has been the voice of the IT Profession for over 50 years.

IITP has released the latest IITP Newsline.

In This Issue:

• Craig Bunyan: ANZ National: What went right and why
• IITP ICT-Connect Team: ICT-Connect video released today
• Juha Saarinen: Data driven
• Buddle Findlay: ICT Law Update
• Paul Matthews: Eric Hertz
• IITP Staff: EdTech for Export Conference
• ICT around town: All the latest ICT-related events in your area

Hi ,

IITP Branch Election voting is NOW OPEN.

Please note:

• Voting is NOW OPEN for the Auckland Branch Committee and Wellington National Councillor. Vote Here.
• Branch Committees have been elected unopposed in Canterbury, Waikato/BoP, Wellington and Otago/Southland.
• National Councillors have been elected unopposed in Auckland, Canterbury, Waikato/BoP and Otago/Southland.
• There are no Overseas positions being elected.

Those in Auckland and Wellington - please consider casting your votes now.

Auckland

You can view candidates and cast your votes now - click here to vote.

IITP National Council

• JENNINGS, Hazel [Elected Unopposed]

Note that this result is Interim until the branch AGM.

Auckland Branch Committee

There are a total of 13 candidates for 8 positions.

• AMOR, Robert
• GRACIE, Nathan
• GREENAWAY, P-J
• HARRISON, Craig
• HAY, Graham
• LEYSTON, Tracey
• LLOYD, Jo
• MITCHELL, Ian
• ROCHA, Paulo
• SIDDIQUI, Ash
• STANTON, Kate
• THURLOW, Symon
• YAP, Erick

click here to vote.

If you just wish to see details of the candidates without logging in, click here.

Wellington

You can view candidates and cast your votes now - click here to vote.

IITP National Council

There are a total of 2 candidates for 1 position.

• EASTWOOD, Elizabeth
• MUKHERJEE, Prashanta

click here to vote.

If you just wish to see details of the candidates without logging in, click here.

Wellington Branch Committee

We're very pleased to announce that the following have been elected unopposed in Wellington. Voting is hence not necessary.

• HEATH, Paul
• KLITSCHER, Carl
• MARSHALL, Stuart
• MORGAN, Blair
• ROWE, Brian
• RUTHVEN, Graeme
• Tuinman, Jan
• WEBB, Paul

Note that these results are Interim until the branch AGM.

Canterbury

We're very pleased to announce that the following have been elected unopposed in Canterbury. Voting is hence not necessary.

• Mehdi Asgarkhani [National Council]
• ALLEN, Steve
• ASCROFT, John
• BRITTAN, Matt
• DALE, Tony
• HALL, Henrietta
• HANCOX, Graham
• VAN LOKVEN, Mike

Note that these results are Interim until the branch AGM.

Waikato/BoP

We're very pleased to announce that the following have been elected unopposed in Waikato/BoP. Voting is hence not necessary.

• REEVES, Steve [National Council]
• CUNNINGHAM, Sally Jo
• DENNEHY, Mike
• HALLETT, David
• LIGHT, Eric
• REITER, Klaus
• WALBAEKKEN, Bjoern (Bj)

Note that these results are Interim until the branch AGM.

Otago/Southland

We're very pleased to announce that the following have been elected unopposed in Otago/Southland. Voting is hence not necessary.

• DOWLING, Anthony [National Councillor]
• BARHAM, Sara
• PAINE, Grant
• ROODT, Henk
• SIMPSON, Ian
• WOODFORD, Brendon

Note that these results are Interim until the branch AGM.

More Information

What are Branch Committees?

The IITP Branch Committees are the lifeblood of local representation of the ICT Profession.

The role of Branch Committees is diverse including such things as:

• Representing IITP and the ICT Profession to local industry and others, and being the local liaison to the Institute
• Coordinating and assisting with local IITP events
• Promoting and advancing Institute activities and initiatives
• Raising awareness of IITP as an organisation - who we are and what we do  

In short, the Branch Committees are the "go-to" people on the ground across the country and the front line for the Institute and ICT Profession. Good committees are made up of a strong mix of people including those well connected to different communities, those with drive, those with good organisational skills, and those keen to pull up sleeves and put a little effort into something they believe in.

Time commitments aren't strenuous for most roles - in most cases just a couple of hours a month plus helping out at IITP events, with Branch Officers (especially Chairs and National Councillors) putting in a little more. Volunteering on Branch Committees is a great way to "give a little back" to the sector, and looks great on your CV.

You can find out more about the role of Branch Committees in this document [PDF].

Timeline for Process

The following timeline will be used for elections:

• 9am 01 Mar 2013: Voting Opens
• Midnight 15 Mar 2013: Voting Closes

Branch AGMs will occur on the following dates (Note that a formal invitation to the AGM will be issued in due course and times may change slightly):

• TBA (likely 19th or 20th): Waikato/BoP Branch AGM (in Hamilton)
• 06:00pm 21 March 2012: Auckland Branch AGM
• 12:00pm 26 March 2012: Otago/Southland Branch AGM (in Dunedin)
• 06:00pm 26 March 2012: Canterbury Branch AGM (in Christchurch)
• 06:00pm 27 March 2012: Wellington Branch AGM

Who is Eligible?

According to the IITP Constitution and Bylaws:

• ALL members of all grades may nominate individuals for Branch Committees and National Council
• Only Professional Members (Associate Member, Full Member, Fellow) and Honorary Fellows may be nominated to Branch Committees
• Only Full Members and Fellows may be nominated to be National Councillors
• Only Professional Members (Associate Member, Full Member, Fellow) may vote in elections

The IITP Member Register shows your member type as: .

Note that eligibility for membership grades is outlined here. It is free to apply to change membership grades.

Further Information

You can find out more about the role of Branch Committees in this document [PDF].

For more information, please contact Paul Matthews, IITP CEO and Institute Secretary, at ceo@iitp.org.nz.

IITP has released the latest IITP Newsline.

In This Issue:

• John Rusk: Price-based tendering to blame for Novopay?
• Andy Prow: How to prevent XSS attacks like Yahoo
• IITP Events Team: New IITP Workshops and Courses
• IITP ICT-Connect Team: ICT-Connect helping thousands
• ICT around town: All the latest ICT-related events in your area

Hi ,

Do you want to make a difference to the next generation?

Keen to help make a difference to the future of New Zealand?

In partnership with over 40 companies and organisations, IITP is very proud to announce the next phase of  ICT-Connect in Schools. And now we need your help!

ICT-Connect is the IT industry's in-school programme to increase the visibility and desirability of a career in IT, and we're now calling for Expressions of Interest for those keen to contribute a little time presenting to the next generation in schools in Hamilton and surrounding areas.

Keen to participate? Grab the info pack or take a look at www.ictconnect.org.nz/presenters

Why ICT-Connect?

Our industry has a serious perception problem, and it's time we did something about it.

Many students in schools either think our profession is about hacking code in a dark basement, using technology like word processors or phones, or worst still, have no idea whatsoever. If we're serious about addressing the major skills shortage in our sector, permanently, we need to change this perception and that's where ICT-Connect comes in.

Our young people in NZ are influenced by their peers, care-givers, teachers and media in their career choices. Many have been exposed to "technology" from a very young age and are significant users of technology but remain unaware of the raft of potential opportunities in our profession.

You and I both know how interesting, challenging, rewarding and diverse our industry really is. We know there's a great future in IT, lots of jobs, good money, worldwide opportunity and something for everyone. And ICT-Connect is about you telling your story to the next generation, face to face, in schools.

The programme developed from a huge number of requests from schools for just that - industry engagement and passionate professionals like you coming and talking about what you do and what you think about it.

So if you're in IT and love what you do, we need your help to make a difference to the future of New Zealand!

When and where?

IITP are looking for ICT Professionals to present in schools over the coming months in Hamilton.

However if you're outside this area, don't despair! ICT-Connect will also be running in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Wanganui, Tauranga and Hawkes Bay this year.  No matter where you are in NZ if you're keen to be a part of this programme please do sign up! 

Registering your interest

Keen to help us make a difference by talking in schools about what you do?

Anyone can sign up, however preference will be given to IITP Members, staff of IITP and ICT-Connect Partners and members of partner associations Health IT Cluster, SoftwareNZ and InternetNZ.

Grab the info pack for more info or visit www.ictconnect.org.nz/presenters

What if I have already Registered

If you have already registered and taken part during 2012, we will be in touch very soon with details of this years programme very soon.  If you regsisted and havent taken part, we will be in contact with you soon about the next presenters evening in your area.

Supporting organisations

IITP is partnering with the Health IT Cluster, SoftwareNZ and InternetNZ for the delivery of ICT-Connect. These organisations are doing more than just talking about the problem - they're actively contributing to the solution.

The following diverse list of companies are also financially supporting this programme and New Zealand's hi-tech future. ICT-Connect simply wouldn't be happening without their support:

Regards,

IITP ICT-Connect in Schools Team

IITP has released the latest IITP Newsline.

In This Issue:

• Paul Matthews: YahooXtra: What actually happened?
• Paul Brislen: Telecomms update: Govt stalls the regulator
• Thea Myers: Tips for Co-design
• IITP Team: New Cloud Computing guidance from Privacy Commissioner
• ictevents.co.nz: Taking your business global
• ICT around town: All the latest ICT-related events in your area