Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams has congratulated eight New Zealand organisations which have been selected as finalists in the global World Summit Awards for creativity and innovation in ICT.

Covering categories ranging from entertainment and commerce to health and education, the awards are an opportunity to showcase New Zealand projects that are at the forefront of new media and e-content creation.

The eight finalists are DigitalNZ, Life Education Trust, Loomio, M?ori Maps, M?ori Television, Ponoko, Radio New Zealand and the Science Learning Hub.

Ms Adams says the finalists demonstrate the potential for information and communications technology to stimulate innovation, increase productivity, and grow New Zealand's international profile.

'It is great to see New Zealand projects of this calibre being recognised on the world stage. It is particularly important that we celebrate and encourage the high level of innovation and creativity that we have in this country.”

The Government's broadband initiatives will increasingly support new uses of ICT by New Zealand companies and organisations, which will in turn drive the future uptake of faster broadband, says Ms Adams.

New Zealand has participated in the World Summit Awards since 2003.

This year's winners will be announced after final judging takes place in Estonia in late October.

For more information on the Worlds Summit Awards go to: http://www.wsa-awards.org.nz/index.html

Source: Office of Amy Adams.