COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Last updated November 2007
E-Waste Collection
Approximately seven tonnes of disused computer equipment was collected at Rotorua's first eDay at the Rotorua Racecourse in September 2007. A further three tonnes was collected from schools with assistance from the Rotorua Education Centre. All equipment was trucked to Auckland and either recycled or sent to Australia or Singapore for re-use and environmentally-friendly disposal. Future events could expect even greater volumes due to increased public awareness. Eleven participating areas throughout New Zealand in 2007 diverted a combined total of more than 300 tonnes of potentially toxic equipment from landfills. To receive a free copy of the Rotorua eDay Evaluation Report, e-mail paulkillerby@gmail.com.
More
information:
www.eday.org.nz
Rotorua
E-Rider
Steve
Chester, Rotorua's 'E-Rider', is
offering free technical advice and assistance for Rotorua social
service organisations over the coming period October 2007 to
October 2008. Steve has a strong background in information
technology, including several years in the mid-1990s supporting
the Open Learning Centre at Waiariki Polytechnic (now Waiariki
Institute of Technology). To REGISTER NOW for a free Computer
Warrant-of-Fitness check, complete the on-line survey at
www.rotict.orcon.net.nz/cwof.
Alternatively, contact Steve by e-mailing rotict@gmail.com,
call 0-27-713 3200 or leave your details with the Rotorua Social
Services Council (349 4440). Steve is based at Waiariki Institute
of Technology but offers a fully mobile service within the Rotorua
District.
More
information:
www.rotict.orcon.net.nz/cwof
www.eriders.net
www.digitalstrategy.govt.nz/templates/Page____18.aspx
Rotorua Community Websites
A series of new community-based websites is currently being developed for young people, social services and the public in general. Further information will be posted on this page as it comes to hand.
Creative Rotorua Website
A website by and for Rotorua arts stakeholders, including artists and arts facilities.
http://www.creativerotorua.org.nz/
Lakes Webhealth
Webhealth provides access for people to connect with health and social services. Lakes Webhealth is funded by Lakes District Health Board and other stakeholders. The local co-ordinator partners with organisations such as Rotorua District Council to ensure a combined approach to the provision of local health services information.
Reporoa College ‘Community Technicians’ Project
In January 2005 the Government announced that Reporoa College is one of nine schools throughout New Zealand that will receive support with the maintenance of their computer systems. According to Associate Education Minister David Benson-Pope, “Technical support can be difficult and expensive to access in remote or rural communities. The Community Technicians Project is about removing these types of barriers, which might be preventing schools from gaining the maximum benefit from their computer equipment." The project supports people from rural communities as they undertake the Diploma in Information and Communications Technology through Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology. The 18-month course will provide technicians with a recognised qualification while at the same time providing technical support to rural communities. Each technician has been assigned to a host school where they will be based during their training. A significant part of the study programme involves them working in surrounding schools providing technical advice and support. Each technician receives a scholarship and resources such as a laptop and cellphone. The Community Technicians project is one of the Ministry of Education’s Digital Opportunities projects, which are joint government, schools and business initiatives that aim to support the innovative use of ICT in education.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00263.htm
http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00264.htm
Computers in Schools
The Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust has put considerable resources into funding computers in schools. The Trust's education focus has now changed from funding facilities to funding educational results.
http://www.rotoruatrust.org.nz/newsletters/june2004/future.htm
School Websites
Several Rotorua schools promote their websites through Te Kete Ipurangi – The Online Learning Centre.
http://www.tki.org.nz/e/schools/graphical_search.php?gs_region=Rotorua_District
Rotorua Community ICT Trust
The Rotorua Community ICT Trust was formed in November 2003. To date the Trust has undertaken small scale computer refurbishing and initiated pilot projects to match community groups with ICT volunteers, and is spearheading the Rotorua District ICT Strategy 2006-2009. Key projects relate to e-waste minimisation, IT support for social service organisations, and community website projects.
http://www.rotict.orcon.net.nz/
Rotorua District Council Computers in the Community Programme
The Community Policy Division of Rotorua District Council has been implementing a ‘computers in the community’ programme since early 2003. This includes partnering with other organisations to support community ICT initiatives.
www.rdc.govt.nz/our+services/community+policy/computers+in+the+community.asp
Rotorua Community Website
This includes a community section which is widely promoted.
Rotorua Schools ICT Centre
The Rotorua Principals Association, supported by funding from the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, has established a centrally-located Rotorua Schools ICT Centre to develop technology initiatives in local schools. The Centre provides a range of courses and resources to teachers in the Rotorua area.
http://www.rpa.school.nz/ict.htm
Waiariki Video Conferencing Centres
Waiariki Institute of Technology offers a multi-point videoconferencing network from its VideoLink Centres in Rotorua, Taupo, Tokoroa and Whakatane from $240 + GST per hour. Each centre can accommodate up to ten people on camera. You can also share graphs, pictures, diagrams, photographs, written information and video clips as part of your meeting.
http://www.waiariki.ac.nz/default.aspx?ID=100000728
Sunset Computers in Homes Programme
The Sunset Computers in Homes programme was launched in November 2003. It is a project of Sunset Primary School with support from Housing New Zealand Corporation and Victoria University.
http://www.computersinhomes.org.nz/current.htm#Fordlands
Te Waiariki Purea Trust
Volunteers from the Rotorua Community ICT Trust have been providing some support to Te Waiariki Purea staff as a pilot project.
Rotorua Pacific Islands Development Charitable Trust
In late 2003 the Pacific Islands Development Trust established a small computer suite at a Rotorua urban marae. This is used twice a week to provide computer skills training. Volunteers with the Rotorua Community ICT Trust assisted with setting up the system as part of a pilot project.
SeniorNet Rotorua
SeniorNet is a national volunteer association gives older adults an opportunity to learn more about ICT.
Rotorua Social Services Council
The Rotorua Social Services Council (ROSSCO) is partnering with the Rotorua Community ICT Trust on projects to support the technology needs of local social service organisations.
ADHD Rotorua
ADHD (Rotorua) Assn Inc is dedicated to issues relating to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. A volunteer with the Rotorua Community ICT Trust has provided ADHD with advice and support in purchasing new hardware and software as part of a pilot project.
Waiariki Institute of Technology
Waiariki has a vision of learning for life. In 2004 Waiariki opened a central city education shop called Waiariki In Focus offering free computer courses. Waiariki is a foundation partner in the Rotorua District ICT Strategy.
http://www.waiariki.ac.nz/default.aspx?ID=100003250
Te Waananga o Aotearoa ki te Arawa
Te Waananga o Aotearoa provides a wide selection of courses including computer training.
http://www.twoa.ac.nz/campuses/rotorua.aspx
Bay of Plenty E-Regions Group
The Bay of Plenty E-Regions Group evolved from the Bay of Plenty Project PROBE Liaison Group which had input into the tender process for subsidising broadband links to all schools in the Region. The group has since gone into recess, however ongoing initiatives are under way by a cluster of local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure effective provision of broadband throughout the region.
Rotorua District Council
Rotorua District Council administers a range of websites for e-governance including the Rotorua Public Library, Rotorua Museum, Rotorua Aquatic Centre and Economic Development Unit. The Council has an Information Systems Strategic Plan that includes future enablement of e-submissions and e-payments.
Rotorua.co.nz
Rotorua.co.nz is a privately provided website with information and contact details for a wide variety of local services.
Te Arawa Maori Trust Board
Te Arawa Maori Trust Board has its own website which includes an opportunity for iwi registration.
Ngati Whakaue
Ngati Whakaue hapu has its own website which includes information on the Ngati Whakaue Education Endowment Trust Board, Ngati Whakaue Tribal Lands Inc, Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust and Pukeroa Oruawhata Holdings Ltd.
http://www.ngatiwhakaue.iwi.nz/
e-Marae
A directory of Te Arawa marae is provided on maori.org.nz.
http://www.maori.org.nz/databases/marae/arawa.asp
Rotorua Digital Community Trust
The Rotorua Digital Community Trust was incorporated in July 2004 to promote educational advancement in association with local schools and community organisations.
http://www.companies.govt.nz/scanned-images/47/BC10046403547.pdf
Mokoia Community House
The Mokoia Community Association is developing computer access and programmes at Mokoia Community House.
General
A wide range of additional websites relate to Rotorua tourism operators, businesses and groups.