Resignation of Jacinda Ardern: role in the international technology industry?

Could Jacinda Ardern play a global tech role?

The former prime minister could follow in the footsteps of former British deputy prime minister Sir Nicholas Clegg, who became Facebook’s global affairs chairman, “forming the policies
with governments”.

Tech industry leaders say it’s possible the former prime minister could appear in that kind of role, but they’re split on whether it would be a good idea.

“There are two types of roles that I imagine she would be incredibly attractive for American tech companies. Her passion and mana when it comes to Christchurch Calling, or in a Nick Clegg VP-style role” , said Victoria MacLennan, managing director of IT Professionals NZ.

Nick Clegg is the former leader of the Liberal Democrats and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

“My concern about her continuing the Christchurch Call mahi under the brand of one company is that it has the potential to undermine the big picture of how to approach the removal of violent extremist content online. It would be great if she could stay involved with Christchurch’s appeal on a wider level.

Politicians have become figures in the tech industry

As for a Clegg-style role, “with so many challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand, it would be a shame to have its mana and global reach pinned down to a multinational corporation and their vested interests,” MacLennan said.

Straker Translations CEO Grant Straker was one of the businessmen who accompanied Ardern on his US trade tour in May 2021.

“A lot of us have had our moments on domestic politics, but she’s definitely a superstar overseas. She’s well connected to global business leaders and that’s great for New Zealand businesses. with the doors she can open.

This week, Straker told the Herald“She would be a fantastic ambassador for New Zealand tech if she secured a role in the global tech industry. I think it would be hugely celebrated by the New Zealand tech industry if she did that.

“Whatever people think of her domestically, she wants New Zealand to succeed, is a global rockstar, understands how technology can do both good and bad, and is the best opener that businesses New Zealanders can hope for.”

Failed Christchurch Appeal

NZRise co-founder and Catalyst director Don Christie had mixed feelings.

“We were lucky to have him. [Ardern] over the past five and a half years, and the health and economic results of the approach she and the government have taken have put us at the helm of the OECD. That doesn’t mean it’s been easy for anyone, let alone any business in New Zealand,” he said.

“But in my opinion, if Ardern were to play a role similar to that of Nick Clegg, it would be extremely problematic.

“One area where I believe the Prime Minister has failed is the ‘Christchurch Call’ initiative. This is demonstrated in many ways, not least by the extreme personal abuse it has suffered,” Christie said.

“Instead of holding Big Tech accountable on so many fronts – taxation, monopolistic behavior, promoting extremism and misinformation – the New Zealand government continues to roll out the red carpet for these companies to the detriment of our digital economy, local businesses and our economic independence Our investment in R&D continues to be pathetically low and support for innovative Kiwi businesses is hopelessly negligible.

“A decision like the one you describe would only confirm this national failure.”

“My view is that the prime minister’s undeniable talents would be completely wasted on the Silicon Valley brothers trying to astroturf their sullied reputations. Nick Clegg has always been a second rate politician. Ardern is not. She should go somewhere where she can continue to make real changes when she is ready for new challenges.

MacLennan said, “Personally, I hope she takes her time and finds a role that suits her best, not jumping at the first opportunities presented. As a compassionate and capable leader, the Prime Minister can do anything, the world is her oyster.