12. Digital Services—Recruitment of Chief Technology OfficerBRETT HUDSON (National) to the Minister of Broadcasting Communications and Digital MediaDigital Services—Recruitment of Chief Technology Officer12. BRETT HUDSON (National) to the Minister of Broadcasting Communications and Digital Media: Why has she decided to widen the search for New Zealand's first Chief Technology Officer and what will that mean in practice?Hon CLARE CURRAN (Minister of Broadcasting Communications and Digital Media): The candidates who applied have an impressive range of skills and backgrounds but no one person had all the attributes that we want. I will be seeking more input from the sector and perspectives from a new digital advisory group which is being set up. The Chief Technology Officer is a vital role and as a responsible Government we know we need to get this appointment right.Brett Hudson: So what steps did she or officials undertake prior to the opening of applications for the Chief Technology Officer role to determine that there were people in New Zealand who were both capable and interested in the role?Hon CLARE CURRAN: A recruitment process was undertaken. We are in the middle of that recruitment process. We have come to a decision that we need to widen that search. There were terms of reference established. There has been a search undertaken. We have decided to widen that search. Brett Hudson: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The question was quite specific about actions undertaken before that role was put out to the public. The Minister hasn't—SPEAKER: Ask the question again.Brett Hudson: Thank you Mr Speaker. What steps did she or officials undertake prior to the opening of applications for the Chief Technology Officer role to determine that there were people in New Zealand who were both capable and interested in the role?Hon CLARE CURRAN: The position of the Chief Technology Officer has been widely canvassed for a number of years in public discussion including in the policy of the Labour Party. There has been ongoing determination. As with any high-profile position one doesn't know what the outcome is going to be and it is not predetermined. It was not a predetermined position. We want the right person for the job. This is a responsible Government and we are undertaking a responsible process. [Interruption] SPEAKER: Order!Brett Hudson: What confidence can the public have that the Government Chief Technology Officer role is anything more than sloganeering policy given the Minister undertook so little testing on the availability of suitable candidates prior to commencing the establishment of the role?Hon CLARE CURRAN: A high degree of confidence that this Government is a responsible Government undertaking a responsible process about a position that has been widely canvassed and we want the right person for the job as does the rest of New Zealand.Brett Hudson: What message does it send to the information and communications technology sector about her confidence in its capability given she has decided that none of the more than 60 applicants are suitable for the Chief Technology Officer role?Hon CLARE CURRAN: If the member was listening to my answer to his primary question he would have heard that I am seeking more input from the sector and perspectives from a new digital advisory group which is being set up as we speak. Brett Hudson: What does it say about the role she has established that no one who the Minister deemed suitable for the job wants it?Hon CLARE CURRAN: This Government wants the right person for the job. We are in the middle of a recruitment process for it. We are ambitious for New Zealand. We are ambitious for this position. We are undertaking a responsible process and I think New Zealand can be reassured about that.