History Lessons by Computer

In a move aimed at increasing New Zealanders knowledge about New Zealand history, the Treaty Information Programme is offering daily history lessons delivered by e-mail to subscribers.

"It's a bit like getting your history in easily digestible 'bytes' said the State Service Commission's Treaty of Waitangi Programme Director Lisa Davies.

She said the programme's website (www.treatyofwaitangi.govt.nz) had a wealth of information about New Zealand history and the Treaty of Waitangi - but not everyone wants to spend hours looking through it all.

Through the new service, people can register to get a "byte-sized" piece of information sent to them by e-mail at regular intervals. There are three streams of information - Treaty history, New Zealand history and key people with a number of "lessons" in each stream.

"The idea is to chunk the information down into small bits over a longer period. And of course, if their curiosity is stirred, they can visit the website to get more."

ENDS