InternetNZ and AUT University form strategic partnership

Media release –  21 May 2013

This release is available online at  http://tinyurl.com/n2mmj8w

InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) and AUT University’s Institute of Culture, Discourse and Communication (ICDC) have formed a strategic partnership that will see the organisations work more closely on Internet research initiatives.

As part of the partnership agreement InternetNZ will provide AUT with $40,000 of funding for the 2013 World Internet Project New Zealand (WIPNZ). The two organisations also intend to provide mutual support and explore opportunities for progressing shared research goals.

InternetNZ Acting Chief Executive Jordan Carter says the Internet research being produced by AUT is invaluable, describing it as a goldmine for the development of public policy concerning New Zealand’s Internet access, uptake and usage.

“InternetNZ has been a long time supporter of AUT and the New Zealand component of the World Internet Project. We are pleased to extend our support through this new partnership and look forward to a fruitful ongoing relationship.”

Director of ICDC Professor Allan Bell says the partnership deepens the commitment of both parties to work together in enhancing New Zealanders’ knowledge about the Internet and its effect on their daily life.

“This partnership recognises both AUT and InternetNZ’s belief in the importance of conducting robust, academic research on topics relating to the Internet. We look forward to working with InternetNZ to ensure that valuable information about the societal impact of the Internet reaches a wide audience through our research reports and public presentations.”

The World Internet Project, which originated in the United States in 1999, looks at the global impact of online technologies.   Surveys are carried out by universities, research institutes and organisations in more than 30 countries around the world, including AUT in New Zealand.  Survey data is then analysed on a global and regional level. 

For more information on the World Internet Project in New Zealand, click here -  http://www.aut.ac.nz/research/research-institutes/icdc/projects/world-internet-project.

ENDS

© Scoop Media