Waitakere’s information access strategy out for public comment

Waitakere City Council seeks public feedback on its draft information access strategy to improve access to up to date information and communications technology.

The Waitakere Information Access Project aims to improve the city’s information communication technology (ICT) to increase infrastructure and the computer literacy of its citizens.

In recent years Council has worked with community representatives to develop a community vision for ICT and engaged with central Government to follow the latest e-Government guidelines and practices.

The Council has also sought partnerships with central and regional government and private sector telecommunications providers to improve connections to broadband infrastructure and provided opportunities for lifelong learning by providing free access to the Internet and skills training.

Key elements of Waitakere’s current information access framework include improving connections to broadband, giving citizens the confidence to access and use technology, and providing quality online content and services. Recent successes include:

The Events Calendar: A new, improved Events Calendar is now online - ready for elected members, businesses and community groups in Waitakere to plan and register events. It's now live at www.waitakereonline.co.nz and in early June it will be available on www.waitakere.govt.nz. This calendar is a positive step forward for online communications in the city.

The Code of Practice: Waitakere City Council has established engineering standards that specify how broadband infrastructure can be installed to meet the technology requirements of the future, in concert with the city’s ‘Dig Once’ philosophy, where utility operators save time by sharing open trenches.

Broadband Challenge: The council has applied for Government funding to support a pilot project to deliver wireless broadband to the Laingholm and Parau areas. If successful this project will enable residents who have never had more than dial up access to access the Internet at higher speeds. Council will advise residents if the funding application is successful. The success of this project will depend on broadband uptake in these underserved areas.

Waitakere Online: The goal of the Waitakere Online Editorial Board is for Waitakere Online to be the homepage of choice for all Residents, Businesses and Visitors to Waitakere City. The links to local sites and local content are added daily and the popularity of the site continues to grow with over 6,000 visitors per month.

How to have your say

Read the Waitakere Information Access Strategic Framework Draft: Copies are available at the Civic Centre reception, libraries, or online at www.waitakere.govt.nz. Submissions may also be made by email to Rochelle Edwards at Rochelle.Edwards@waitakere.govt.nz.

Submissions close on Wednesday 14 June 2006. Comments will be considered by the Council and may be incorporated into the final review of the framework. The final document will then be considered and adopted.

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