After the Council's first year of operation the Forum will then elect members to the Council.

Key activities of the Council will include:

• engaging with the Digital Development Forum on strategic priorities, and
  
• developing and delivering a work programme to advance the strategic priorities of the Forum and the Council.

The Council is currently in the process of engaging an Executive Director who will manage the work programme and provide support services for the Forum.

Role of the ICT Sector

The ICT sector is also advancing plans to establish an industry body to focus on commercial issues and will be represented on The Digital Development Council

In November 2007 Communications and Information Technology Minister David Cunliffe announced the Government's intention to establish a new digital advisory body.

"Building on the great work of Hi-Growth, ICTNZ and the Digital Strategy Advisory Group, it is proposed this new advisory body will provide Ministerial advice, provide research and information to the large number of sector groups, and support new digital programmes."

Since that announcement an extensive consultation process has been undertaken lead by Martin, Jenkins and Assoc. The final overall structure is the result of feedback and input from a wide range of stakeholder

On 29 May, 2008 the rules were established for the Digital Development Council, which in turn set up the Digital Development Forum. At the time, Mr Cunliffe said, 

"the Forum and the Council are expected to help achieve the government's vision that New Zealand will become a world leader in using information and technology to realise its economic, social, environmental and cultural goals, to the benefit of all New Zealanders. 

Cabinet has approved:

• Funding of $825,000 for each of the first two years - in years 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 - for the design, establishment and initial operation of the new structure.
• Annual funding of $400,000 from 2010/11 and 2011/2012 and out years to cover operational costs.