Open Government NZ 2010 Un-Conference

Nations around the world are grappling with the challenge of “open government”. Many are openly stating that they embrace it, most are struggling to understand what it is and how to actually implement it. Why are they so intent on this? Because the people, the constituents they serve, of all kinds, from families to communities, corporations to small business and non-profits, and public sector employees themselves are demanding it.

So what does “open government” really mean? How does it work? And how can we as New Zealanders, embrace it and enable governments to better meet the peoples’ needs?

A central component is the role that emerging technologies such as infrastructure, cloud computing, Web 2.0, open data and information transparency, can play. It also encompasses issues of policy development and governance, the development of human capital, and the utilisation and understanding of the role of social media. In short how does a “services orientated” and “open” government actually function?

We can’t answer all of the questions around these issues, but we can provide an opportunity for them to be discussed in an open and participative way. This is what we want to do at our “un-conference”.

We invite anyone who is interested - from indindividual and corporate entrepreneurs, citizens, not-for-profits, educators to public sector employees to please come join us:

What is an Un-Conference?

The event is open, participatory and inclusive, allowing you and other attendees to influence the topics discussed.

• It's a conference with a fluid agenda, and minimal structure where you can define the discussion topics
• As a base, we've gathered an expert panel who will set the scene and share their Open Government experiences
• We'll focus on “things that matter”, problems that affect people personally and directly at both the individual and societal levels
• We ask you to actively participate and propose your ideas, processes, and technologies before, during and after the event

Why is it important for New Zealand?

In New Zealand, like many other countries, we face some big challenges, such as an aging population, a tough fiscal environment, retaining or improving our position relative to our economic peers, and improving public services like health and education. However, we are working towards meeting those challenges in our own unique way and “government as a platform” will evolve differently here than elsewhere. It is important that we understand what we are doing that is different, what is working and what could be improved, and explore how we can learn from others and how they can learn from us. This is a global movement, and this is our opportunity to be part of that global conversation.

This event will be an open and transparent channel through which real world solutions can be found. The Open Government NZ 2010 Un-Conference will encourage collaboration, debate and the discovery of better ways for the governing bodies to interact with each other, and citizens.