Technology experience invaluable for CEO role: ICT Minister

Speaking at an Institute of IT Professionals breakfast event in Auckland, Adams told the audience that increasingly companies are acknowledging the importance of technology competence at the executive level.

"They're fools if they don't," she says.

"I've been amazed at how many CEOs I've met recently that have come up through the CIO role," says Adams.

"It does seem to me that organisations are starting to recognise that they need to get that back room IT work right for their companies to flourish."

See related stories:
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CIOs still dismissed as mere techies by CEOs

Asked if more support would be given to help companies shore up their IT governance, Adams says this would be left up to the sector to manage instead of involving government intervention.

Adams also talked about the government's commitment to the technology sector by giving the $160 million Advanced Technology Institute, and $1.5 billion Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) initiative as examples.

Adams did not give details on how the government would encourage businesses to take up fibre.

She criticised the media for showing its "naivety" regarding timings around the UFB build. The government, Chorus, and Crown Fibre Holdings have yet to announce important details of fibre installation including who pays for non-standard installs.

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