Photo by Bruce Fraser
Cellphone tower, Southland Murihiku
Approach
This workstream is about communication whether it be between people meeting socially or for business or to just make sure people are the safest they can be in their workplaces.
Digital connectivity and access to data, drives and enables community and economic development throughout the region. We will look to identify and understand from a spatial perspective, the communities and locations which don’t have good coverage and connectivity and will suggest pathways for improvement.
The cool temperatures of Southland Murihiku, access to abundant renewable energy and geographic diversity make it an ideal site as a hub for storing data and running high-performance applications. There are a number of data centre proposals suggested for Southland Murihiku which could help position the region as a data capital of New Zealand Aotearoa. We will seek to understand the opportunities, implications and benefits to the region.
Data aggregation and consolidation of key datasets will enable and inform key decision making, including the regional long-term planning process and ongoing measurement and tracking of success. We will assess opportunities for improved consolidation and sharing of data.
Key Outcomes
Priority issues and areas that require improvement for connectivity and coverage are identified from primary research (regarding mobile phone coverage and internet connectivity), and a pathway for future improvements and advocacy is outlined.
Building on the Southland Regional Digital Strategy (2015), ensure accurate insights and data is sourced and collated to support local & central government, mana whenua and the private sector to make informed evidence-based decisions.
Support the establishment of proposed data centres in the region and seek to understand the implications and benefits of new data centres for Southland Murihiku.
Connection with other Workstreams:
The principles of this workstream will strongly underpin the overall Beyond 2025 Southland plan with close alignment to the following workstreams:
Photo by Sam Deuchrass
Transport
To ensure the region’s transport system (road, rail, air and sea) enables and supports regional growth and wellbeing, while understanding and planning for new opportunities and challenges.
Read more
Photo by Videocopter
Primary Sector
To ensure that the primary sector, in particular agriculture, continues to be the driving force of the Southland Murihiku economy and the backbone of the New Zealand economy.
Read more
Photo by Air New Zealand
Business Enablement, Capacity and Competitiveness
To identify pathways and support networks for existing local businesses to be innovative, remain competitive and create capability - supporting the positioning of Southland Murihiku as a globally competitive marketplace
Read more
Photo by Pink Penguin Studio
Destination Development and Management
To review and confirm the sustainable pathway for the Southland Murihiku tourism sector to recover and achieve its potential as a key diversification opportunity.
Read more
Photo by Welcome Rock
Land
To prepare for and understand the implications of climate change on land in Southland Murihiku.
Read more
Photo by GoreNZ
Water
To prepare for and understand how to future proof water and water assets to ensure the region can prosper.
Read more
Photo by Sebastian Katzlese
Future Energy
To understand current and future demand, and supply, of energy in Southland Murihiku considering immediate and long-term challenges and opportunities.
Read more