Praise for the Government's decision to appoint a chief technology officer.

Applications are now open for the country's first ever CTO.

The successful applicant will be charged with leading the country towards a brighter digital future, by building a more connected nation.

NZ Tech chief executive Graeme Muller says it's an important new role.

"Ideally they'll be developing, or leading the development, of a strategy for the country in terms of what we want to look like as a digital county."

Communications Minister Clare Curran says the job will also involve providing digital equality and protecting people's rights online.