Queenstown's cyber uni
Queenstown's ambition to become a global tech hub took a major leap forward this week.
Otago University has announced plans to partner with cybersecurity powerhouse Palo Alto Networks to develop and deliver cutting-edge programmes in digital defence in the resort town.
A master's programme in cybersecurity is part of the proposals, while there will be short executive courses delivered in Queenstown within a year.
Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson confirmed last year that the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whākaihu Waka is planning to have a permanent presence in Queenstown Lakes going forward, mostly based around tech and innovation.
On Monday, at the start of Techweek25, he announced that the partnership with Palo Alto Networks is the first cab off the rank.
“Palo Alto Networks is not only the largest cyber security company in the world, but an innovative industry leader, which aligns perfectly with the ambitions of the University to be a renowned place of learning and discovery," the former deputy prime minister says.
“This partnership solidifies our commitment to supporting the Queenstown Lakes region to become an international technology centre.”
Robertson says the partnership announcement, backed by Technology Queenstown, is the first of many Otago will make in the coming months.
“We have been busy collaborating with local people, businesses and other tertiary institutions and I look forward to sharing the outcome of that work in the near future.
“As we stated in October last year, we are building up our work and presence in Queenstown Lakes District. We want to be a part of the growth the region is experiencing and to be a part of innovative partnerships that uphold research and teaching excellence.”
Palo Alto Networks partners with 3,300 universities, colleges and high schools, in 104 countries worldwide, who collectively form the Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy.
New Zealand Managing Director Misti Landtroop says: "By partnering with the University of Otago we see this as a strategic investment to help prepare students for a career in cybersecurity."
The development of the new curriculum is underway and will need to go through the appropriate internal and external approval processes.
Otago Uni is also developing the Hākitekura property at Woolshed Bay, which it was gifted by the Jardine family.
Trustees appointed to guide Technology Queenstown
Technology Queenstown’s parent organisation, Whakatipu Hangarau Trust, has appointed five new trustees to strengthen the strategic focus of the fledgling development agency.
Claudia Batten, Katrina Barry, David Downs, Prue Halstead and Dino Vendetti join the board, bringing a "remarkable balance of skills and international relationships that will be invaluable as we build out the sector over the decades to come,” chair Roger Sharp says.
Barry is an experienced technology sector CEO and founder, and MD of Webjet Group; Batten is a technology entrepreneur and company director, chair of NZX-listed Serko Limited, deputy chair of ASX-listed Michael Hill International; Downs is an experienced New Zealand senior public servant, director and technology sector expert, and CEO of The New Zealand Story, an organisation marketing NZ to the world; Halstead is executive officer at Invest South and a founding board member of both Mainland Angel Investors and COIN South; and Vendetti is a seasoned venture capitalist, entrepreneur and Edmund Hillary Fellow, the founding partner and MD of Seven Peaks Ventures LLC.
Whakatipu Hangarau Trust will have up to eight trustees in total, including the Chair, with further announcements expected as the group becomes operational. It will support Technology Queenstown's mission to build $1 billion in annual technology sector GDP in Queenstown Lakes District over the next 20 years.
