Information Activists Needed [Volunteer Student Army]

February 26

Call for Information Activists

Earthquake ravaged city residents are called upon to share information about essential services thanks to the Christchurch Recovery Map website and the Student Volunteer Army (SVA).

SVA spokesperson Louis Brown says it highlights the capacity for collaboration between New Zealand and international volunteers and experts to provide useful, accessible information.

“A huge number of people who want to help with the recovery effort are unable to wield a shovel or push a barrow. They can be just as useful by texting or logging on and sharing information about what service stations are operating, what supermarkets are open or even what roads are clear and where to find accommodation.

“Christchurch Recovery Map (www.eq.org.nz) is the best place for residents to access the latest information on where essential supplies are available. A graphical online map, the site provides instant, clear information about what is available where.

“To make the map work, we need volunteers from throughout the city to give us information, which they can do by text for free. They can do it from home or by foot or by bike.

“Content for the service is provided via text on our ‘JOBS’ or ‘5627’ number. Anyone in the city can provide information that will make it easier for Christchurch people do the simple everyday things they need to put their lives back on track,” he said.

‘JOBS’ or ‘5627’ is the same number that can be used to ask for help from the SVA. www.eq.org.nz sorts the information coming in and whether it needs to go to the information map or the SVA HQ to dispatch volunteers.

“Software engineers from around the world, including Google personnel in Sydney and California, are volunteering to help to make the service work along with national mobile service providers who have offered free texting service to the ‘JOBS’ or ‘5627’ number,” he said.

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Arguable Reassuring: Inspector-General Finds GCSB "Arguably" Legal

Of the 88 individuals:

• 15 cases involving 22 individuals did not have any information intercepted by GCSB.

• another four cases involving five individuals were the subjects of a New Zealand Security Intelligence Service warrant and the GCSB assisted in the execution of the warrants. The Inspector-General is of the view that there were arguably no breaches and the law is unclear.

• the Bureau only provided technical assistance which did not involve interception of communications, involving three of the individuals, so no breach occurred.

• the remaining cases involved the collection of metadata, and the Inspector-General formed the view that there had arguably been no breach, noting once again that the law is unclear.
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