Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

IT 'well placed' to help NZ economy

Updated at 3:09 pm on 8 April 2009

The information technology industry is in a strong position to help stimulate the economy, business leaders in the sector say.

At a meeting of sector leaders on Tuesday, called together at the suggestion of Microsoft, initiatives to combat the recession were put forward for discussion.

Microsoft's country manager, Kevin Akhurst, says the industry is keen to add value to the Government's broadband fund.

Mr Akhurst says Microsoft is also offering free and discounted software programmes to those who need to add to their skills or re-enter the workforce.

The NZ ICT Group represents a broad range of companies in the sector, and its chief executive Brett O'Riley says members do not expect to cut staff and are in a strong position to give impetus to initiatives.

The New Zealand Institute's director of research, Benedikte Jensen, says the sector will be the key to companies coming out of the recession intact.

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