New Zealand’s approach to Smart Cities

New Zealand’s foray into all things smart extends internationally to its membership of the Digital 9 Network. A network of advanced digital nations with a shared goal of deploying technological solutions to improve and impact the lives of citizens. User centricity is a key principle of this network. This network comprises countries such as Canada, United Kingdom, South Korea and Asia, and Israel as well. In addition to user centricity there are three key principles that underpin this network; open data, open Government, and assisted digital which means digital for all, not just the ones who can afford it.

At the national level Land Information New Zealand through funding from New Zealand Treasuries Better Public Services Program led the smart cities initiative across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, working across multiple Councils and private sector organisations yielded immense benefits. Technological solutions were deployed particularly to look at real time monitoring and the use of ensor technologies to tackle city challenges around traffic, pedestrian mobility, and water quality. This collaboration yielded many benefits. Access to more data meant improved policies, planning, and decision making. Resiliency in planning meant improved use of city assets. New business opportunities were created given the heightened use of technological products, tools, and also data services. So, what is your smart city agenda?

How is your local Government organising society and private sector organisations? Who provides the resources to the smart city program? Well, to help you ponder these questions let’s dive into some content and context rich case studies that we’ve built together in partnership with the City Council.