Media release

30 September 2007

New technology centres set to upskill New Zealanders in ICT

A Maori internet company has joined with Maori health providers around the country in a unique initiative to increase New Zealanders technology skills.

“Our Space” opens this week-end in Waiuku, and it provides locals with free access to computers and the Internet –as well as training and support.

“It’s an Internet café open to everyone, but apart from providing locals with free facilities, there’ll be training and support here as well.” Arataki Communications Director Ngaire Schmidt said today.

Working with Poutiri Trust (a Maori Development Organisation), Arataki will establish another eleven learning spaces in rural areas before Christmas.

The new initiative is government funded and the first “Our Space” project opens this weekend Saturday 1st September 2007, in Waiuku (Shop 21, No 23 Kitchener Road, Waiuku). Arataki Communications, will be using this as a prototype to test the uptake by the community.

“Our Space” in Waiuku will begin with eight workstations that have broadband internet, MS Office and email facilities. There will be a data-projector for training and later on in the year video-conferencing and printing facilities will be added. This will be the standard package at each of the eleven “Our Space” locations.

“It’s about giving all New Zealanders ICT skills so that we can use the Internet more effectively in the development of trade and cultural capital.”

ENDS

Ngaire Schmidt on New Zealanders and ICT

* In the last survey of ICT usage in the OECD, New Zealand rated poorly. Uptake and use of technology by New Zealanders is low.
* The impact on our ability to trade is significant. Because we’re ICT illiterate, we’re like a kiosk from the back blocks on the South Pacific.
* We’re still catching up with basic requirements like adequate broadband access, that’s why the government is investing in projects like Our Space.