The numbers of Pasifika people studying IT and computer sciences are low, at a time when the IT industry in New Zealand is facing a skills shortage. In addition automation and digitisation is increasingly replacing jobs in manufacturing and labouring in which Pasifika are highly represented.MBIE is showcasing current Pasifika talent in the sector as well as the variety of employment opportunities that exist in IT now and into the future through a Digital Moana (Digital Tide) campaign.Videos published each week and shared on MBIE’s website and social media channels are highlighting successful Pasifika people in tech, from programming and software roles to business owners.A Digital Moana Forum will be held in Auckland on 22 May 2018 with the theme Inspire, Inform and Empower. The forum, in partnership with Pacific Business Trust, Dev Academy, Summer of Tech, Ministry of Pacific Peoples and Datacom, will showcase Pasifika people already succeeding and navigating a variety of aspects of the tech sector.Keynote speaker: Fa’aso’otauloa Sam Saili, from SkyEye Pacific. Based in the Pacific, SkyEye Pacific provide services using technology and customise user friendly geo-spatial technologies.

MBIE releaseMay 14, 2018