Minutes of Public Policy Committee - 17 August 2007

Phone: Judith Speight, Frank March, Rick Shera.

In attendance: Jordan Carter, Richard Wood, Keith Davidson, Campbell Gardiner.

Opened: 3.10pm

1. Apologies: Sam Sargeant, Chris O’Connell, David Diprose.

2. Minutes of Last Meeting – 19 July 2007

Minutes adopted as a true and accurate record.

3. Action Points / Matters Arising from the Previous Minutes

The final publication of Dr Beyer’s research likely to be a couple of months away/Members of the committee expressed disappointment at lateness of formal publication.

4.                   

a. Summary of Public Policy Work (JC) – document received, good reception by Committee

b. Public Policy Budget Status Report (JC) – not tabled

c. Broadband Campaign

LLU prices were released and InternetNZ commented on them.

LLU/Colo STD drafts are out and submissions due on those by end of August.

Awaiting Ministry regarding OpSep of Telecom.

Discussion - is the retail pricing an issue relevant to de-averaging? Minister dealt to this concern publicly. TSO is likely to include broadband.

Jordan suggested proactive activity such as fibre to the home may be a better place to spend time than on reactive work on issues where progress is already well underway.

David noted that we will want to have TSO as its own budget item for next year rather than fund out of regulatory issues.

d. Digital Strategy Summit

InternetNZ is no longer doing Day 3, nor involved in the event, except some of us have been invited individually. Business leadership is interested in the event and there may be opportunity to demonstrate well done broadband.

e. Copyright

The Bill was reported back and we don’t support it as it is. There is limited opportunity to get amendments but will at least attempt to get some amendments and get parties on the record about the actions they are taking. There was discussion of where to from here, such as an omnibus bill for notice and notice.

f. Peering

External group document expected by the end of the month, which will go back to all those consulted. ISPs continue to discuss with Telecom, which appears to boil down to a pricing issue. Note Telecom Wholesale has joined InternetNZ as a member.

[AP. Need to have a communications plan for when the document is done including going back to Foo Camp – Staff]

g. Cyberlaw Fellow

Looking at including sponsors such as Law firms to get involved. Next year is last year for the initial three-year Cyberlaw program so a discussion can begin about the future of it. Following a meeting with VUW, we’ve allowed a small refocus of his subject matter. Philip has done work on Internet governance. Focus will be on trademarks and the Internet, fair use, trademarks etc. Cyberlaw website is a direction for the future.

The relationship with VUW was discussed. It is a good relationship, but we could do better in managing it from our side.

h. Spam

Code is virtually completed and ready for signup by TCF/MA/ISPANZ and all ISPs

A potted powerpoint presentation is being produced. Text for a jointly branded InternetNZ/DIA brochure targeted at ISP customers has been approved by DIA.

i. Related Organisations

ISPANZ – held their AGM last week. New directors have been appointed. ISPANZ partly fund Richard’s salary and are enthusiastic about not only maintaining that but potentially growing the role.

[AP Note to ISPANZ that they have a rep on the public policy committee -  Staff]

TUANZ – we now have more cross-over with Michael Foley on our board. Meetings with Ernie and Merv occur regularly.

2020 – e-waste day for September – they are looking for sponsors - Keith, Simon or Don Hollander can be contacted.

Parliamentary Internet Caucus – official topic was internet safety – Martin Cocker did a great job and it was very worthwhile to get him in front of Cunliffe and Tizard. Banking code was also discussed there.

David discussed the ideas around a workshop on banking code. Further policy development needed.

[AP Rick to ask Diane at BNZ to see if the banks and association are happy to meet. DPF and staff to talk to Alan Yates.]

ICT Week in Parliament – Keith outlined the concept of a very lively set of activities around lunchtime and afterwards involving expert presenters. Dates and space bookings are done. Ongoing dialogue with ICTNZ/HiGrowth. Budget will be needed but unclear at this stage. Only 8 weeks away. We will ‘own’ 1 of 3 days of the event. Each day will have a slightly different theme – connected nation, productive nation, future nation.

5. Electoral Finance Bill

Significant issues through the combination of clauses on electronic dissemination/storage and taking a position on a proposition that one or more parties has. A reasoned submission from InternetNZ would be useful highlighting the consequences and asking if hey are intended consequences for organisations like ours and if not then amendments could be considered. Independent analysis is needed.

[AP – Get a team together to progress this – Chris, David, staff]

5. Fibre Working Group – First Draft White Paper (JC)

David Skilling of NZ Institute is doing work on a publication prior to digital strategy.

[AP – get in touch with David Skilling to see how we can help – Jordan]

6. Terms of Reference

Michael Foley’s suggestion discussed. It will be recommended to Council that they will be retained as are.

7. Digital Strategy

Simon noted the opportunity to be proactive and the breadth of impact possible.
 

Meeting closed: 5:13

Date of Next Meeting: TBC

Signed as a true and correct record:

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David Farrar, Vice President, Chair