The ACT Government is expanding its quest to upgrade the territory’s tech credentials, hiring a top New Zealand public sector CIO.

Jon Cumming, the former head of IT for NZ's Department of Corrections, has been lured across the Tasman to become the ACT’s first whole-of-government chief digital officer.

Cumming was behind a range of cloud computing and mobile-first programs at the NZ agency, following a long career with NZ telco Spark (formerly Telecom New Zealand) and outsourcer EDS, which is now owned by HP.

Mr Cumming will lead the ACT's 'Digital Canberra' strategy, which has so far undertaken the roll out of free public wi-fi, improvements to the territory’s online service delivery, the launch of business-pitching forums for digital start-ups and a program of funded STEM internships for uni students.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to bring my experience to Canberra, to help shape and deliver on the key priorities of the ACT digital strategy,” Cumming said in a statement.

“My role as CDO is to facilitate the community’s digital knowledge, to take them on a journey and change mindsets about the infinite possibilities, wonderment and experiences that a truly connected city and world offers.”

He said he was looking forward to collaborating with leader including another recent import to Canberra, federal Digital Transformation Office CEO Paul Shetler.

Cumming will start on August 17, answering to the director general of the Chief Minister’s department, Kathy Leigh.

The Government says the ACT is the first Australian jurisdiction to appoint such a broad, cross-agency CDO.