5 reasons to come along to NetHui
NetHui is kicking off tomorrow on 8 July. Taking place at Sky City in Auckland, it is not a conference – but rather a platform for interactive participation of all that is the Internet. NetHui is organised by InternetNZ, with help from the Internet community, and brings together anyone and everyone interested in the Internet. We will discuss how it does works, how it could work, and what we can do to make New Zealand’s Internet of benefit to all communities across the country.
NetHui participants will have the chance to listen to and engage with local Internet community leaders and international speakers, take part in valuable discussions and network with diverse participants from the New Zealand community. The theme of this year’s NetHui is “The Internet is Everybody’s Business”, and topics will include the Internet within the education sector, the Internet and Māori, Pasifika and indigenous cultures, technical infrastructure and connecting New Zealand’s rural communities with broadband – just to name a few.
We are particularly excited about a keynote address from the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Internet Society, Kathy Brown. The Internet Society is committed to the continued evolution and growth of the Internet for everyone, everywhere. Its work across policy, technology and development helps to ensure that the Internet continues to evolve as a platform for innovation, collaboration, economic development and social progress.
On Thursday 9 July, Kathy will be talking to NetHui participants about the role of the open Internet in fostering entrepreneurialism and innovation and specifically how the growth of the Mobile Internet is shaping the global economic opportunity. As part of her keynote, Kathy will draw attention to the launch of the organisation’s 2015 Global Internet Report – focused on the growth and impact of the Mobile Internet. The report highlights that Mobile is having a remarkable impact on business and economic opportunity. It illustrates how the mobile Internet is not only expanding the reach of the global Internet to more people around the world, but is also changing how we consume and create content online. It is clear that the Mobile Internet will play a key role in bringing the next billion users online and Kathryn will speak to NetHui participants about the Mobile Internet as a central component in realising the Internet Society’s vision that ‘The Internet is for everyone’.
On Wednesday the Internet Society will also be hosting its own InterCommunity event, live from NetHui. InterCommunity 2015 is the first global meeting of the Internet Society’s membership and will stream live to over 2200 people around the world. It is a venue to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Internet today. This global gathering for the Internet, on the Internet is an opportunity to bring the global Internet community together, celebrate diversity and share perspectives on key Internet topics and issues. Importantly, it is also an opportunity to highlight the power of the Internet in connecting us all.
The Internet Society’s Board of Trustees have also travelled from all over the world to join NetHui and will be part of sessions and panels throughout the event.
NetHui is a community event where everyone’s opinions and ideas are equally valued. It is a platform to engage about making New Zealand‘s Internet better for everyone who uses it.
If you are still unsure about its advantages, here are the top five reasons to come along to NetHui:
- hear from community leaders and International experts
- share your ideas about the future of the Internet in New Zealand
- gain inspiration and find others to collaborate for internet projects and objectives
- learn about some of the biggest challengers, issues and opportunities of the internet in NZ
- have fun!