One of the fundamental purposes of the NZCS is to represent our members, the ICT profession, and by extension, the entire ICT community.

As well as our Advocacy activities, we have representatives on every major ICT-related board, panel or body in the country.

NZCS is a founding member of the Digital Development Council. This is a body established and funded by the NZ Government (but independent from Government) and is charged with working towards improving New Zealand's digital future.

Whilst the DDC is in early stages at this point, once it has moved past the establishment phase it is expected to take a lead and advisory role in most Government-related digital and ICT policy decisions.

NZCS has representatives on most ICT Advisory Groups throughout Government and the Sector, such as the National Advisory Committee on Computing Qualifications, Digital Technologies Guidelines (DTG) National Advisory Committee (which advises on the development of ICT in schools), PPTA ICT Taskforce, and many more.

It is essential that the profession is found in all corners of the decision making globe, and that the beliefs and values of ICT Professionals are represented.

NZCS representatives regularly serve on panels and give presentations regarding issues of concern to the sector, and help spread the word on behalf of our profession.

NZCS is consulted and puts forward representatives to work on most ICT-related Standards which Standards New Zealand are involved in.

For example, NZCS Fellow Alison Holt chaired the recent Standards New Zealand OOXML Working Group and serves on a number of other groups looking at a range of New Zealand and international standards.

It's simply not possible to list the panels and bodies that NZCS has representation on. Suffice to say, the Society is significantly engaged with the ICT and wider business communities and play a pivotal role ensuring that ICT professional's voice is heard, across Government and across the Sector.