MELBOURNE - Information Minister Paul Swain has extended a standing invitation to Microsoft chairman and chief software architect Bill Gates to visit New Zealand.
"A lot of the role of Government [in new technology] is in the area of public education, public awareness," said Mr Swain. "Certainly the presence of someone like him in New Zealand raises the awareness of what we are doing with the new-technology revolution, particularly among the younger generation.
"Obviously he didn't reply straight away, but I hope he does come."
During a brief one-on-one meeting with Mr Gates in Melbourne yesterday, Mr Swain also promoted the country as a possible site for a Microsoft research and development centre.
"New Zealand is an attractive option ... The Southern Cross Cable will provide a big pipe directly to the States offering very high bandwidth."
Mr Swain, in turn, has been invited by Microsoft to attend a Government leaders' conference in March at the software giant's headquarters near Seattle.
Call in anytime, Bill
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