Every second week we host conversations with people who are leaders in the digital technology and communications space. Some weeks we might be talking to them about new tech opportunities, or other weeks about developing as a leader in this fast changing environment.

This week we are talking with Paul Conway - Chief Economist at BNZ. Paul has been with the bank for 2 years having come from the Productivity Commission prior to that. Paul spent 6 years with the OECD in the early 2000's where he worked on understanding the impact of policies on economic performance. He also worked on the India-China Desk at the OECD.

Paul was the driving force behind BNZ's recently released report titled "Digital skills for life in Aotearoa 2021". This report highlighted the fact that 700,000 adult New Zealanders (20%) lack the essential digital skills needed to use the internet safely and effectively. This digital skills gap is skewed towards people who are already marginalised in NZ (low household incomes, lower levels of education, the disabled).

Paul is passionate about working to close that gap and to motivate the private sector and non-Government organisations to play their part. He is also a key advocate for the recently launched Digital Boost Alliance.

This is a free online event for members of TUANZ and our future leader programmes.