Channa has 16 years experience in Information Management & Information Technology. This experience covers many facets of IT including software development, Database administration, Project Management, IT Operations Management and has recently held a number Chief Information Officer positions.

He is currently responsible for the implementation of a five year Information Systems Strategic Plan which includes the deployment of a new data network and desktop systems, an Intranet and a Document management System to 140 sites. In addition the ISSP covers the development of new business critical applications and the deployment of a new Radio network. The infrastructure upgrade project titled "Connect 2000" recently received the "Most Successful Project Implementation of the Year" award at the Computerworld Excellence Awards 2000.

He has experience in managing large scale technology projects and was the IT Manager at the Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa over a five year period. He was responsible for the development and implementation of Te Papa's Information Technology Strategic Plan which included the installation of a high capacity ATM network to deliver multimedia and video content to information kiosks located in exhibitions throughout the museum. This project received the "Most Successful Project Implementation of the Year" award and the "Overall Excellence in IT" award at the Computerworld Excellence Awards 1999. The multimedia database application Te Papa OnScreen received a Gold Medal at the 1998 New York Festivals’ multimedia awards, in recognition of the quality of the application and the unique way that it meets visitor demands