[vb The government's chief digital technology advisor said it is fulfilling its function despite meeting only once this year.
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Digital Economy and Digital Inclusion Advisory Group chair Victoria MacLennan said its 10 members met with its then-minister Megan Woods for 45 minutes via video conference in April, but had not met since.
"It has been really difficult for ministers to get us into their schedule, it has not been for want of trying to get us all together in one place.
Ms MacLennan said diary clashes had made scheduling another meeting difficult.
After the government's cabinet reshuffle the group now answers to Kris Faafoi, its third minister in 16 months. Clare Curran was its first minister before she was sacked from Cabinet.
"Obviously we have had different ministers who have had different priorities," Ms MacLennan said.
"We are there to strengthen the thinking of the ministers on topics that they are interested in. We are definitely fulfilling that function."
The group met 10 times last year.
Ms MacLennan said she was not in a position to say how much notice was being taken of the group, but it had good connections with officials.
She said it had so far provided advice on the research and development tax credits, procurement rules, digital inclusion and the adoption of technology by small businesses.
