Partnership brings health to the fore

The NZICT Group continues to grow, with the latest partners, NZ Health IT Cluster, highlighting the group’s “strong focus on health”, says Brett O’Riley, CEO of NZICT.“We see New Zealand as a global leader in health ICT, so this partnership will help bring their views forward as a part of our IT submissions to government,” he says.With the government indicating it is interested in pushing forward ICT development in the health sector to increase productivity and the formation of the new National Health Board, O’Riley says the partnership could help to “spark” technological change in the sector.“The health sector is a key area of focus for NZICT and our members as we seek to collaborate with the government and District Health Boards to improve productivity and drive innovation,” he says.Dougal McKechnie, NZ Health IT Cluster Chief Executive believes the move will be beneficial to his organisation.“Forming this alliance with NZICT is the latest example of our emphasis on providing increased value to our members,” he says, adding the Cluster and NZICT will work closely on issues ranging from industry productivity, engagement and procurement processes and mechanisms, workforce development and business capability.In under a year of operation, NZICT now represents 75 members – covering the majority of medium to large ICT companies in New Zealand.