Terms of Reference

Name

Enabling Technologies Impact Collective (ETIC)

Purpose

The Enabling Technologies Impact Collective (ETIC) aims to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and provide thought leadership among a wide range of stakeholders in the enabling technologies sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. The collective will focus on promoting the untapped potential of assistive technology as an enabler to better assist all. 

Objectives

Based on feedback from two workshop sessions and survey results gathered at an Enabling Technologies forum held in Auckland in February 2025, ETIC has the following objectives:  

  • Develop a coordinated assistive technology strategy for Aotearoa | New Zealand  

  • Promote awareness and understanding of the potential of enabling technologies within various sectors

  • Contribute towards the development of a suitably skilled and sustainable workforce

  • Collate current research, data and best practice evidence related to assistive technology to inform the other objectives

  • Create a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among researchers, industry leaders, government agencies, service users, providers and community groups.

Participants

Participation in ETIC is broad and open to all with an interest in assistive technology use, innovation, design, supply, provision, service delivery, research, education and/or oversight. Participation in the collective will be agreed by a majority consensus of the membership. 

Examples of participants:

  • Industry leaders and experts in enabling technologies

  • Assistive technology users

  • Academics and researchers in relevant fields

  • Representatives from government agencies 

  • Technology innovators and developers 

  • Community representatives from a range of service user groups

  • Organisations involved in assistive technology service delivery, advocacy or education.

Activities

Monthly online meetings of a leadership group will be held to support progress in the following areas.

  • Establish an Aotearoa | New Zealand specific overview of the current assistive technology landscape, including best practice evidence, a review of international research and relevant data to inform future activities

  • Form working groups to develop and deliver on agreed priority objectives  

  • Develop a coordinated assistive technology strategy for Aotearoa | New Zealand 

  • Raise awareness and knowledge of the potential of assistive technology as an enabler for all 

  • Support the development of a skilled assistive technology workforce  

  • Publishing reports and white papers on the impact of enabling technologies and best practices for implementation

  • Engage with strategic partners and policymakers to influence technology-related regulatory frameworks

Governance Structure

These Terms of Reference guide the immediate formation and operation of the Governance Group. Members may join as individuals or as organisations. The Governance/Leadership Group will comprise of nine members (quorum of five). The Chair will collaborate with the group and, following consultation, make the final decision on appointing the next Governance/Leadership Group members ensuring there is diverse and varied representation.

We acknowledge that as no single structure can represent all communities we will regularly review and adapt to ensure we include those best placed to advise and lead.

Funding

The collective may seek funding through grants, sponsorships and collaborations with aligned partners and government departments.

  • A transparent budgeting process will be established to ensure accountability in the use of funds.

  • Volunteer time and pro- bono contributions will be recorded and agreed by majority consensus to support and inform the development of ETIC  

Working Groups

Working groups may be established to support achievement of the objectives with a broad focus on.

  • Strategy

  • Awareness

  • Education/ Workforce 

Communication Processes and Platforms

Teams is being used as a primary communication channel.  To access the ETIC teams group – please request access by emailing admin@talklink.org.nz

The ETIC Teams group has two channels:

  • General: this is the main channel and gives access to documents and appropriate branding collateral that is available for use by all members. There is also a link to submit any volunteered hours.

  • Leadership: this channel contains working documents which will be shared to the general group once approved.

Teams is also the preferred channel for video conferencing.

Definition of Enabling Technologies

Please refer to the ETIC definitions

Duration

ETIC will operate indefinitely, with a periodic review (every two years) of its effectiveness, objectives, and membership to ensure alignment with its purpose and ongoing relevance.

Review and Amendment of Terms

These Terms of Reference will be reviewed periodically and can be amended with the consensus of the leadership group and the majority approval of the collective participants.