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During an ad-break two programme-promos were aired for upcoming Kiwi-made "reality TV" series. Nothing new there right?

Well yes, that's true -- and that *is* the problem.

I could not help but feel somewhat disappointed that, instead of seeing examples of oft-touted Kiwi ingenuity at work, I was presented instead with promises that we'd soon see local versions of two tired old overseas programme formats (NZ's Worst Driver and Ten Years Younger).

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Okay, this is TV and despite the name of the genre, it's not reality -- right?

Well it got me thinking: where's the innovation and original thought in our local ITC industries?

Where are all the really cool and undeniably original ideas and innovations that we're constantly told we're good at coming up with?

Where are the block-buster software packages that break new ground, create new markets and lead the world?

Weta Workshops have done cool stuff with CGI, NavMan are leading the way with some forms of GPS applications and there are a few other examples of companies which are developing existing technologies -- but where are the totally new ideas?

Well there was IndraNet, a company that promised a revolutionary intelligent mesh network incorporating wireless technologies -- but now it seems to have given up and is more focused on reselling shonky "air powered cars" and copper-based DSL systems.

Given that we've been pouring not insignificant amounts of taxpayer money into technology grants and other initiatives allegedly designed to make it easier for our innovators to get their ideas to the market -- why are we apparently not performing up to expectations?

Could it be that the image of the innovative Kiwi bloke who can build and launch a geostationary communications satellite using nothing more than a handful of parts found in any cowshed is just a myth?

Have we just been fooling ourselves all this time?

Are we just like everyone else in the world and not at all exceptional in our abilities to solve problems or come up with new ideas?

What a worrying thought.

If you've see some great examples of the mythical Kiwi ingenuity at work then please share them with Aardvark's readers. Offer up the proof we need to reinforce the rumour that we really are the sharpest knives in the drawer.

Go have your say in The Aardvark Forums

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