A Contrasting Tale of Three Ministers
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Posted Thu 29 November 2007 @ 10:40 a.m. by Ernie Newman
I'm here at the Digital Summit and its pretty full on - hence no posts these past two days. Sarah has been posting, but I'm holding fire to do a wrap at the end.
But one thing that as really hit me the past two days is the contrasting receptions given the three ministers who've spoken thus far.
David Cunliffe's opening address was outstanding. Visionary, information-rich, passionate, showing real leadership. A very senior industry leader described it to me last evening as the best speech he had heard, anywhere, in 30 years in the sector. Wonderful! We are so lucky David Cunliffe stayed on in the Communications portfolio!
Then there was Pete Hodgson wearing the Economic Development hat. Sure, he followed on from some very rich and stimulating material. But his presentation was tepid, failed to inspire, and did little to reassure the audience he had any real grasp of the profound impact ICT has on economic development. With his scientific background this was a surprise and a disappointment.
Finally (so far) Michael Cullen was first speaker this morning – arriving late and obviously shortening his speech. Now I've known Michael for many years and I think he has many strong points, and I know he was there really to say "Hi" from the PM and was never going to say anything substantive. But please let me make one suggestion:
Michael, the day when Ministers, MPs or anyone in a leadership role could announce their digital illiteracy with pride, use it as a badge of honour or joke about it, have gone. It should be added to the list of un-PC behaviour. At a conference like this among a very informed group, Ministers should be showing empathy with the people who have given up two days mainly because they are passionate about the need to deal with New Zealand's backwater situation and the legacy it is leaving for our kids.
That’s my lot for now, but much more on here tomorrow
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