I would like to acknowledge and congratulate Liz Butterfield for her recent success in being made the first female Fellow of InternetNZ. This is a great achievement and a wonderful opportunity.

The Government’s Digital Strategy is about unlocking our potential to achieve New Zealand's economic, social and cultural aspirations. It focuses on three ‘Cs’ - Content, Connection and Confidence. Content – information we can access that enriches the quality of our lives; Connection – access to and using Information and Communication Technology (ICT); and Confidence – the skills to use ICT and having a secure environment in which to do it.

As Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, I am responsible for the Community Partnership Fund, which is part of the Digital Strategy.

Through the Community Partnership Fund, the Government is providing $20.7 million seed funding over four years to partly fund partnership initiatives that will improve our communities’ capability and skills to use ICT and develop digital content. This Fund, which is administered by the Department of Internal Affairs, will look to innovative and collaborative ventures that will unlock the potential of our communities.

I think we all recognise that digital literacy is now an essential life skill, akin to reading and writing. The Internet provides a fantastic tool for children, allowing them to research school projects, keep in touch with friends and family, and discover information about the diverse world around them.

For young New Zealanders, ICT is a routine part of their social landscapes. They are growing up in a digital world. Not only is ICT an essential education tool, being connected is an important part of young peoples lives.

However, children in particular can be exposed to a range of risks when they surf the Internet or use email. They need protection as they learn to use and make the most of ICT.

When I spoke at the NetSafe Conference in July (2006), I talked about the increased use of ICT in local communities, and with this increase comes the need to address Internet safety issues.

The Internet Safety Group is recognised internationally for its education work in the area of cyber safety and online security. I would like to congratulate The Internet Safety Group on its successful application to the Community Partnership Fund.

Funding of $438,000 will see the completion of a further four (five minute long) television episodes of Hector’s World, an Internet safety project targeted at 2-10 year olds. These episodes will be available as an interactive learning tool in schools, early childhood centres and in homes around New Zealand.

Here in New Zealand, I am very keen to promote and showcase innovative ICT projects like Hector’s World. This shows that within New Zealand we have healthy ICT appetites and the potential to be leaders in community ICT projects. Children should be encouraged to make the most of ICT, and in many respects children are leading the way in forming a digitally literate society. Their ability to use, and hunger to adopt, ICT often humbles their parents.

The Hector’s World project is one of 10 applicants approved in the Auckland region totalling $931,255. These projects involve a range of sectors across the community.

Again I would like to congratulate The Internet Safety Group on its successful application. I look forward to seeing the fruits of the Hector’s World project, and I am sure this project will help to educate and protect our children so they can enjoy a safe and more secure experience online.

Thank you.