Guest blog from Netsafe’s Karen Spencer
My immediate thoughts on NetHui? It’s the best kind of cross-pollination.
The striking feature of NetHui is the way it pulls in a fantastic mix of folks from across different sectors. It’s an opportunity to debate and explore ideas about technology with experienced and informed people.
As an educator, it can be easy to stay in one’s own field, enjoy the edu-jargon and stick to the teaching talk. But we are all richer for looking over the fence at what others are doing, and one hopes it works the other way, too.
I have always been struck by the depth and range of presenters at previous NetHui events. It has been a launchpad for innovation, a platform for advocacy on digital rights and a channel to debate global tech trends. It is positive to see, in recent years, a deliberate push for diverse voices in tech, creating a space to champion inclusion.
The ‘unconference’ style creates a democratic space for sharing, even when we are grappling with challenging ideas. That tension and disagreement can be a source for change.
NetSafe is pleased to continue its support of NetHui as part of its partnership with InternetNZ. Taking NetHui to the regions is an opportunity to explore what digital access, safety and citizenship mean to Aotearoa. It will be a fabulous opportunity for rich, tech-fuelled kōrero.
Karen Spencer is the Director of Education at NetSafe