Access to computers and the Internet is becoming increasingly important. According to Census results, one in every three Rotorua households has access to the Internet, and this figure is increasing steadily. However, not everyone has equal access. Barriers to computer use include the cost of buying equipment and maintaining an Internet connection. This is a major problem for individuals who are unemployed or on low incomes, and for small voluntary organisations.
Improving community access to computers and the Internet is a responsibility shared by central and local government; the philanthropic, voluntary and private sectors; and communities themselves. Council is committed to partnering with other agencies to develop an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Strategy for the Rotorua District. This will aim to address "digital divide" issues in Rotorua, as well as ways that businesses and groups generally can improve their use of computers and the Internet.
Public workshop February 2003
In February 2003, Rotorua District Council hosted a public workshop on "computers in the community". Presenters included the
2020 Communications Trust
,
,
Rotorua Schools ICT Centre
, SeniorNet Rotorua
, and the
(administered by Rotorua District Council). Participants also had an opportunity to contribute their own ideas, to map out an action plan for bridging the digital divide in Rotorua.
The workshop report and presentation notes are available for downloading in Acrobat Reader (PDF) format:
CommunityNet Aotearoa 2,586KB
As part of the workshop, participants brainstormed ideas for new initiatives that should happen in Rotorua. For instance:
- A steering group should be formed to investigate the establishment of a "computer recycling centre" in Rotorua.
  Councillor workshop May 2003
In May 2003, RDC convened a half-day workshop for Councillors and members of Te Arawa Standing Committee, on the topic of "growing the potential of computers and the Internet for Rotorua". The purposes of the workshop were to present an update of local and national initiatives, and discuss issues and priorities relating to Council's involvement in the proposed strategy. Presenters included Ian Thomson of the
2020 Communications Trust
and Tony van Horik of
Project PROBE
.
The workshop report and presentation notes are available for downloading in Acrobat Reader (PDF) format (1.0 MB):
Councillor workshop report 2003-05 1,043KB Rotorua Community ICT Trust
In May 2003, a steering group was formed to begin setting up a computer recycling scheme and to establish a team of computer-savvy volunteers. This group became incorporated in November 2003 as the Rotorua Community ICT Trust. The Trust meets on the last Thursday of each month from 5:30pm to 7.00pm at the Rotorua Schools ICT Centre (third floor, public library building, 1137 Haupapa Street). The Trust's aim is to grow the potential of computers and the Internet for Rotorua communities. For further information refer to www.rotict.orcon.net.nz.
Companies and members of the public who wish to donate surplus computers or volunteer their skills should e-mail rotict@gmail.com.
E-Waste Workshop February 2004
On 27th February 2004 Rotorua District Council hosted a workshop on how to recycle electonic waste. Apart from long-term environmental damage, the toxic materials in e-waste can be a health hazard. The aims of this workshop were to:
- Introduce participants to the emerging issue of e-waste.
- Present Christchurch's Molten Media Trust as an example of a successful e-waste recycling initiative.
- Enable participants to begin discussing an e-waste recycling system for the Waikato-BOP region.
Project PROBE
The aim of the Government-subsidised Provincial Broadband Extension project (PROBE) is to increase access to fast Internet in schools and communities throughout New Zealand, and to stimulate increased competition in the broadband telecommunications market. The Bay of Plenty regional contract has been awarded to Telecom-BCL, which is scheduled to provide cable-based and wireless access to all schools in the region by the end of 2004.
Further details: Project PROBE website Rotorua District ICT Strategy 2006/07 - 2008/09
The Rotorua District ICT Strategy 2006/07 to 2008/09 was developed during 2005. The strategy lists more than 30 action plans that aim to strengthen Rotorua communities and promote positive outcomes using ICT. The project was driven by a Steering Group comprising representatives of the Rotorua Community ICT Trust, Rotorua Social Services Council (ROSSCO), Waiariki Institute of Technology, Department of Internal Affairs and Rotorua District Council. Funding for the project was received from the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust and Rotorua District Council. The strategy is the basis of Rotorua's bid for Digital Strategy funding over the coming three years.
Further details: Rotorua Community ICT Trust website
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