Technology New Zealand Biennial Conference

Wednesday 5 October 2005

Welcome to Christchurch, where we have identified education as one of the key drivers for our present and future prosperity. Technology, in the broadest sense, is a crucial part of that process. Christchurch is already the hub for high tech development in New Zealand.

I am a strong supporter of the idea that to make the knowledge economy a reality, we have to make sure that we start as early as possible.

One of the great things that has happened in New Zealand education in recent years, is that it has started to adapt to the emergent challenges of the future.

We have moved from the more rigid structures of the past to systems that are more flexible and ultimately more fully educational in the real sense of the word.

At the risk of seeming to be a heretic, I am a strong support of the new NCEA system of qualifications. It is an holistic approach to education that to my mind more accurately reflects the evolving nature of learning.

I'm sure you know the prediction for school leavers now – that most of them will change career course about five times during their working lives. That reality calls for a much more flexible and deep learning process than was the case in more settled times.

It is my understanding that this process is already well underway in the technology area of education. It has been one of those quiet revolutions in how we educate, that adds up to the reason that people from other countries are keen to come and take part in our educational system.

Which is a thought worth holding onto. Our education is also a commodity that rates and trades well in the international market.

Like many other aspects of New Zealand life, our education system is a whole lot better than we generally acknowledge.

I think it is great that technology education has been broadened, to give the subject real breadth and depth. I hope this conference provides you with the opportunity to accelerate this trend. You do so with my full support.

Have a great conference.