[UPDATED] The annual Top 40 Most Influential in Telecommunications has produced some surprising results this year.ICT Minister Steven Joyce is at the number one spot, followed closely by Telecom CEO Paul Reynolds. Joining them in the top five are Ralph Chivers (widely tipped to head up the new Crown Fibre Holdings), Ernie Newman (TUANZ CEO) and Prime Minister John Key.The judges were heavily influenced by unfolding events in the fixed line space, in particular the government’s $1.5 billion Ultra Fast Broadband plan. In addition they looked at other developments in the upcoming years, such as whether 2degrees will live up to its hype and transform the mobile market.Consequently 2degrees CEO Eric Hertz – despite being a newcomer to New Zealand telecommunications – was voted in at number 10, while Vodafone CEO Russell Stanners is in 11th place.The renewed focus on digital content has seen TVNZ CEO Rick Ellis take the number six spot, just behind Prime Minister John Key. The latter is the first time a Prime Minister has featured in the list, and a reflection of the interest he has personally shown in the delivery of better broadband to all New Zealanders.The top 10 are:1. Steven Joyce, Minister of Communications and Information2. Paul Reynolds, Telecom Chief Executive3. Ralph Chivers, Programme Manager Broadband Investment Plan4. Ernie Newman, TUANZ Chief Executive5. John Key, Prime Minister6. Rick Ellis, TVNZ Chief Executive7. Matt Crockett, Telecom Wholesale Chief Executive8. Simon Mackenzie, Vector Chief Executive9. Wayne Boyd, Telecom Chairman10. Eric Hertz, 2degrees Chief ExecutiveMembers of the judging panel are Michael Foley (Voco Director), Geoff Lawrie (Cisco Country Manager), Rob Spray (Telecommunications Industry Group CEO), and Doug Wilson (Automobile Association CIO).A full list of the Top 40 is available in the October edition of Telecommunications Review, on sale now.UPDATED: Judge Michael Foley discusses the Top Five on the programme ASB Business on the TV3 website .
