President's Report to Council 13/12/03

Status: Received at Council Meeting 13/12/03

Since the last Council meeting on 17 October, I have:

Domainz sale settlement (partial teleconf attendance) - 23/10
ICANN Tunisia 25/10 - 31/10 (Included presentation on Whois Whois_ICANN_Carthage.ppt and Ad hoc APTLD meeting
Signing the Cyberlaw Fellowship agreement - 14/11
Ad hoc meeting with AIESEC - 14/11
Ad hoc meeting with Chair, NZRS - 14/11
Executive Committee Meeting 15/11
Audit Committee discussion 20/11
APTLD Technical & Member Meetings 21 - 23/11
NZRS Directors Interview TF 22/11
International Affairs Review Task Force (by teleconf) 4/12
Non Staff Exec Ctte meeting (by teleconf) 4/12
NZOC Meeting - 8/12
Between 17 Oct and 7 December I read 1,134 INZ email and list messages and wrote 303 email or list messages.
Several media interviews on Whois, Cyberlaw, APTLD, Defamation and sledging and TelstraClear Peering. It seems a pity the media are relatively disinterested in the good news stories we have had over recent months.
And have spent a total of 17 equivalent full time days on INZ business

The position has been advertised and applicants being scrutinised currently. Photos of the signing ceremony are online at www.internetnz.net.nz/photos/cyberlaw.html . Evaluation and scoping meeting to be held with VUW post Christmas.

Michael Sutton brought together some of the Executive Committee to meet with representatives of AIESEC, who's purpose is the international placement of graduate students. After an interesting discussion it was felt by all that sufficient common interest existed to continue discussions, and that myself, Michael and Simon Riley would further explore issues.

The SRS source code is undergoing a final tidy up and should be available for release at the end of January 2004. People can register their interest in obtaining the source code at www.nzrs.net.nz/opensource.html . NZRS has been formally advised of INZ's approval to enter into the building lease on the terms and conditions outlined to Council.

The Interview TF met on 22/11 and agreed on the position description and process for nominations and interviews. The Members List and NZNOG were advised of the link to the vacancy at www.internetnz.net.nz/nzrs-director-ad031203.html . At the time of writing this report 5 applications have been received and from the calibre of applicants I feel confident that a very suitable recommendation for appointment will be made to Council. Applications close on 11 December, and a short list will undergo interviews prior to Christmas, with a recommendation to Council (for e-vote) for an appointment, early in the new year.

The non-staff members of the Executive Committee met to discuss matters pertinent to the renewal of the Executive Directors contract, which is due to expire at end of January. The ED and I will have commenced negotiations before the Council meeting.

Keith Davidson
President - InternetNZ
9 December 2003