Otara hub powers NZ’s most connected community

Otara hub powers New Zealand’s most connected community

“The point of difference in this project that sets it into a class of its own is that we have established a seamless set of integrated solutions with equal weighting on the technology and the people who use it. It’s a digital solution on steroids."

This is how Mike Usmar, CEO of Computer Clubhouse Trust describes the Computer Clubhouse Connected Community Project based at Clubhouse 274 in Otara. “Until we are shown otherwise, we believe that we are the most connected community in New Zealand,” said Usmar.

The Project delivers a hefty, fully integrated digital learning environment with Clubhouse 274 operating as a hub between schools and the community, along with a seamless set of digital solutions including:

A fibre network that is part of Vector’s Metro Ethernet, providing ultrafast broadband to a free community-wide wireless network built by Rural Link to all Clover Park residents in association with community partners, Housing New Zealand

An online portal allowing the community to communicate and share digitally created content, developed at the University of Auckland and funded by the Ministry of Youth Development and Manukau City Council

Distribution of low cost digital devices through the Intel Classmate Laptop Project funded by Microsoft New Zealand and the Auckland Airport Community Trust

A Mobile Clubhouse 274 caravan to reach anywhere within the immediate precinct of the Computer Clubhouse Connected Community Project provided by Hewlett Packard New Zealand

The project has received mult-sector support, and its launch on Thursday carries national significance as demonstrated by the participation of Prime Minister John Key, the Office of Minister Tariana Turia, Manukau City Mayor Len Brown, Sir Stephen Tindall, and other business leaders including Simon Mackenzie of Vector Communications, Kevin Ackhurst of Microsoft New Zealand, and Keith Watson of Hewlett Packard New Zealand. IT industry representatives include Brett O’Riley, NZICT; Sean McDonald, ICONZ; and Murray Pearson, Rural Link.

“The Connected Community Project is an investment by the Computer Clubhouse Trust and our multi-sector partners in two key components: digital infrastructure and mobilising people--our best community assets--in utilising these modern digital tools,” said Usmar.

Computer Clubhouse and the Connected Community project is an excellent example of what a successful private, community and government strategy can deliver when it is coordinated around a non-partisan vision for combining a community’s natural assets—it’s people, their aspirations and talents--with cutting-edge technology to participate in and lead 21st Century New Zealand society and the national economy.

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www.computerclubhouse.org.nz

About Computer Clubhouse 274

Computer Clubhouse 274 is a member of the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network based at the Museum of Science in Boston. The Network fosters learning communities in twenty countries and over one-hundred communities across the globe.

Computer Clubhouses provide a creative and safe community-based learning environment for young people aged ten to eighteen years of age.

A Computer Clubhouse is a vibrant environment, with elements of an artist's studio, inventor’s workshop, TV newsroom, architects’ office, robotics lab, and music studio.

Members work with mentors to explore their own ideas, develop skills, and build self-confidence through the use of state-of-the art technology and an award-winning learning model.

Independent research shows Computer Clubhouse members worldwide are committed to staying at school and are highly motivated to establish meaningful career pathways.

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