Wanganui has a fired-up group of business people who want to push the benefits of ultrafast broadband, Chamber of Commerce president Jenny Duncan says.
The new UFB Business Strategy Group will work alongside Wanganui District Council's digital leaders' forum - but with its sights set firmly on business applications.
Wanganui
will be one of the first cities in New Zealand to have ultrafast broadband, and the group wants to make sure maximum advantage is taken of the opportunity. Members are John Martin - former vice president of American Express, John Williams - former CEO of PEC (New Zealand) in Marton, Dot McKinnon - company director and former deputy mayor, Jason Simons - Wanganui District Council IT manager, Abby Kingi - creative director of Lamp studios and Ms Duncan herself.
Only a few people had any understanding of the incredible impact ultrafast broadband technology could have, she said. It could entice new people and new businesses to the district. The group would like to hear the thoughts of other techno-savvy people about what it should do, how and why. It also wants to hear how success in its activities can be measured.
And it wants to immediately start amassing inspiring stories about large and small business that have benefited from ultrafast broadband. Responses should be emailed to jenny@nzgrow.com as soon as possible.