Third Sector leading drive to develop high-tech jobs

Third Sector leading drive to develop high-tech jobs, digital literacy, and connected communities in NZ

Computer Clubhouse New Zealand (CCNZ) continues to ramp up their mission to provide access to high-technology and promote policies that result in jobs in the sector for young people in Auckland and across New Zealand through new strategic funding and cooperation alliances.

On Thursday, 2 June, Hon Tariana Turia, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector announced additional funding of $3.3 million over three years for Computer Clubhouse New Zealand and Computers in Homes. These are community-based education and training programs that help increase access to high technology, digital literacy and connectivity.

“Being digitally literate is no longer merely optional – it is an essential life skill, and 20-30% of New Zealanders lack access to digital tools or the ability to use them” said Mrs. Turia.

Mrs. Turia added, “Support for these training programs contribute to my medium-term priority of structuring for effectiveness by ensuring that funding is targeted to meet both today’s and tomorrow’s needs, and help strengthen whanau, hapu, iwi and communities across the country.”

There are currently five Clubhouses in New Zealand --Wellington, Hamilton, Whakatane, Wanganui-- and the flagship Clubhouse 274 in Otara will be joined in Auckland by the latest one being built in Henderson this year. The plan is for 12 Clubhouses opening in New Zealand by the end of 2012.

Mike Usmar, CEO of CCNZ acknowledges the significance and impact of the funding from the Government.

“The government funding over three years will help ensure the success of our plans to reproduce the highly successful Clubhouse learning model and provide access to high-tech infrastructure and training for young people in underserved communities across the country that prepares them for jobs and careers in the sector.”

Brett O’Riley, Chairman of the Network of Aotearoa Clubhouses, and Chief Executive Officer of NZICT Group said: “We are poised for a significant expansion of clubhouses in Aotearoa, with plans at an advanced stage with several communities including Moerewa, One Tree Hill, Tamaki, and Mangere in Auckland, as well as Gisborne, Porirua, Christchurch and Dunedin.

“We look forward to working with the Government to see how the new funding can enable the opening of as many of these new Clubhouses as possible, in partnership with other stakeholders.

Clubhouse’s approach is to foster collaboration between central government, local government, the hi-tech industry, other NGO’s, and the community. Together we can work to improve access to and the uptake of digital technologies that lead to jobs and valuable exports for New Zealand.”

ENDS

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