ICT GROUPS AND INITIATIVES IN NEW ZEALAND
The New Zealand Webguide provides tips for community groups to make better use of the Internet. A hardcopy can be downloaded from the website. Booklet versions are also available from some Citizens Advice Bureau offices, local Te Puni Kokiri offices and some public libraries. Rotorua groups interested in a hardcopy can contact the Rotorua ICT Trust, e-mail rotict@gmail.com or phone Paul on 027 293 2575.
Rotorua District
Council. The Community Policy Division of Rotorua District Council
is implementing a ‘computers in the community’ programme. This
includes the development of new policies to support community ICT
initiatives, the collaborative development of an ICT Strategy for
the district, and the sale of surplus computers for community
purposes.
www.rdc.govt.nz/our+services/community+policy/computers+in+the+community.asp
Rotorua
Community Website. This is mostly aimed at visitors to the
District, but there is also a community section which includes
event calendars and a community listings
database.
www.rotoruanz.com
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.
www.rpa.school.nz
Community
Net. This Internet resource was set up by Internal Affairs to
support communities throughout Aotearoa/ New Zealand. It includes
message boards for advertising events, job vacancies and
classifieds, and for sharing ideas and stories. The site also
includes How-To guides for setting up and running community
projects, as well as more than 700 links to websites for community
organisations. – Paul
www.community.net.nz
2020
Communications Trust. The Wellington-based 2020 Trust was
established in 1996 to fulfil a variety of projects and
obligations begun under the Wellington City Council InfoCity
project. The Trust has also established a nation-wide focus to
raise awareness and understanding of ICT issues for the local and
global community.
www.2020.org.nz
Computers
in Homes programme. Computers in Homes pilot programmes were
launched in July-August 2000 at Cannons Creek School (Porirua) and
Panmure Bridge School (Auckland). The programme aims to develop
confidence, self-esteem and life skills in students and promote
positive relationships within the family and community groups
while also contributing towards bridging the digital divide. A new
Computers in Homes programme was launched in November 2003 the
Rotorua suburb of Fordlands. This is a joint effort by Sunset
Primary School, Sunset Junior High and the Fordlands Community
Association.
www.2020.org.nz/projects/computersinhomes/index.html
Molten
Media Community Trust. The Christchurch-based Molten Media Trust
is a combined computer recycling operation and employment training
program. Molten accepts from the public and businesses all
computers, associated hardware, software disks and manuals etc.
Also all electronic devices, such as toasters, TV’s, radios etc
by them delivering to us or by arranged bulk pickup. These are
assessed to see if they are fit for resale, require minor
modification or refit for resale, or stripped of the good parts,
then finally stripped for recycling.
www.molten.org.nz
Compass
Community Foundation. The Tauranga-based Compass Trust accepts
surplus computer equipment which it makes available to local
not-for-profit and community-based
organisations.
www.compass-foundation.co.nz
Wairarapa
Smart Region. Wairarapa Smart Region Inc was formed in July 2001
with the objective of facilitating and encouraging the uptake of
communications technologies in the wider Wairarapa and Tararua
community. In March 2003, Wairarapa Smart Region appointed a
consortium of Vodafone and Walker Wireless as the preferred
supplier of broadband in the region. A new community based
organisation was recently formed to coordinate the Wairarapa
broadband roll-out.
www.ewairarapa.com
The
iTaranaki Cluster. In August 2000, iTaranaki was brought together
through the efforts of Venture Taranaki and a group of IT leaders
in the region who share a professional interest. The iTaranaki
cluster now forms the centre of technology in Taranaki, both
physically as an active and growing group, and on-line as a focal
point for sharing information.
www.itaranaki.co.nz
Smart
Wellington. Wellington is New Zealand's most Internet-connected
region, having more connections per capita than Silicon Valley. An
increasing number of companies in sectors such as finance, IT,
software development and multi-media are choosing to base their
operations in the Wellington Region. Wellington CommunityNet (a
community-based on-line information network) helps local
communities to establish a presence on the Internet, including
access to technical advice and training and a free web hosting
service on wellington.net.nz. The Smart Wellington network is
currently implementing a strategy to foster business growth
through increased use and knowledge of
ICT.
www.smartwellington.co.nz
Sustainable
Cities Trust. Founded in 1995,the Sustainable Cities Trust is an
independent agency based in Christchurch that promotes sustainable
development initiatives throughout New Zealand. Current projects
include several resource recovery technology projects and work on
improving coordination and communication for
sustainability.
http://www.sustcities.org.nz/