CLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE - WHAT IS ALREADY BEING DONE?

182. In September 1999, a Maori Information Technology Hui was held. The main motivation for the hui was the low level of involvement of Maori in the information technology and telecommunications industry. A group of six people from the hui were given the responsibility to set up a body that would represent the views of Maori to government and the IT industry. The result is the Maori Information Technology Council (MITC).

183. The MITC has drafted a constitution, which is awaiting confirmation at a hui. Once this is done, the next step is to sign up members, and develop a work programme. This is likely to get underway next month. Membership will be Maori or groups representing Maori who are either employed in the IT industry or have a commitment to increasing Maori participation in the IT industry.

Maori Internet Society

184. The main purpose of the Maori Internet Society (Te Whanau Ipurangi) is to promote a strong Maori presence on the Internet, and to lobby for Internet administration in New Zealand to better accommodate Maori needs. One specific work-in-progress is petitioning the Internet Society of New Zealand to allocate Maori second level domain names that reflect Maori everyday usage, such as "maori.nz".

185. The genesis of the society was the observation by founders Ross Himona and Kamera Raharaha that the Internet in New Zealand was controlled by a small group of Pakeha. Their original websites "from Hawaiki to Hawaiki" and "Maori Organisations of New Zealand" were the pioneer Maori sites, the beginning of an authentic Maori presence on the Internet. Together, they set up the Maori Internet Society, which was re-launched early in 2000 as interest picked up. The Society is now working towards incorporation. Community access and training

186. There are a number of examples of existing or proposed community access sites, and of organisations that provide ICT training to the community.

Tairawhiti community hubs

187. As noted earlier, one of the results of the Tairawhiti Development Taskforce process was the provision of a large number of second-hand computers to the Tairawhiti region. The Taskforce has approved providing 260 computers to be used in creating 13 "community hubs" each with 20 workstations. Telecom has offered assistance in establishing two of the hubs. Expressions of interest from community groups seeking to run a community hub closed on 8 September. Applicants were required to indicate in their applications:
     • arrangements for locating and housing the hub;
     • proposed access times;
     • proposed booking arrangements;
     • range of services to be supplied;
     • arrangements for internet access;
     • arrangements for technical support;
     • proposals for funding and sustainability (including business opportunities that may operate in conjunction with the hub); and
     • likely usage.

188. Ten expressions of interest have been received to date, with others in the pipeline. In most cases, further work is needed on the expressions of interest, including identifying funding partners. The Taskforce has agreed to a recommendation that a core group of TPK, CEG, DIA and the Tairawhiti REAP investigate ways of funding the groups running the hubs to get established and become sustainable. 189 At present, only 24 PCs are available for use. These are likely to go to a community hub in the old Wairoa courthouse, which will probably be operational in November. The partners in the Wairoa hub are the Wairoa Waikaremoana Maori Trust Board and the local SeniorNet group.

Other examples of community access points

190. The Community Computer Access Centre was recently opened in New Plymouth, funded by local government and business. It is targeted at the "disadvantaged" (i.e. those who don't have access to ICT), especially women. The centre has four second-hand computers, with only one connected to the Internet. The centre provides an opportunity for its clients to learn keyboard skills and become familiar with basic software.

191. Piopio College has operated a Telecommunity Centre since 1998. It was established with a Winston Churchill grant to act as a centre for community wide education in IT and provide the skills and enterprise necessary for its residents to enhance and improve their employment opportunities. The manager of the centre teaches at the college, and is partly funded by CEG. She works with individuals and small groups providing computer training in school hours and in the evenings. They currently have 25 people travelling in for training twice a week. The community can also use the computers. Demand for the centre's services are growing. Users are a mixture of rural and townsfolk. Farmers have been prepared to travel long distances for training (e.g. travelling from Benneydale, around a 3/4 hour drive). Farmers have tended to attend training and then acquire their own computers rather than continuing to use the Centre's computers.

192. The centre initially had severe problems with electric fence disturbance. Telecom installed a dedicated line from the exchange, and an ISDN connection free - the school pays for operating costs.

193. The Whakaatu Whanaunga Trust is a pan-tribal trust in the Bay of Plenty that provides support services to youth, individuals, families and the community. They have been planning to set up a community technology centre in Opotiki, which would provide free training for the community in basic computer software and the Internet. Their objective is to provide a place to promote education, communication and community growth by using the Internet as a tool and information technology as a means to upskill and provide opportunities for youth.

Rural Education Activities Programme

194. There are 13 Rural Education Activities Programmes (REAP) operating throughout New Zealand. They were established between 1979 and 1982 to "provide support and assistance of a supplementary and complementary educational nature for all sectors of the defined rural community, across early childhood, primary, secondary and continuing education, which could enhance, promote and provide lifelong learning opportunities, community development and personal development in a manner that is equitable, appropriate, effective and efficient". REAPs contract directly with the Ministry of Education to provide specified educational outputs.

195. While all REAPs offer something different, all are likely to be offering computer training of some sort, such as Internet training, web design or use of email. REAPs are complementary to commercial organisations, but are able to offer training at less than "break-even" rates. They provide training to all members of rural communities, not just farmers. Judi Rendall of the Tairawhiti REAP has been actively involved in Project Rorohiko, the Tairawhiti ICT project. Outlook Resources

196. Outlook Resources is a training provider specialising in ICT training. Its objectives are to:
     • promote and support divergent uses, users and drivers of informational technologies;
     • localise software and develop digital resources for New Zealanders; and
     • provide relevant training for entrepreneurs, business and community.

197. Outlook Resources provides training for the formally accredited National Certificates in Computing and Information Technology. They have raised concerns about the way that tertiary training in ICT is recognised in the National Qualifications Framework. When they first looked at providing training in web maintenance, they found that there were no unit standards for web-related learning under the Computers and Information Technology domain of the NQF. They negotiated with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority to have three unit standards on web page development transferred to the NQF, which then allowed them to deliver a WebWorks programme for Skill New Zealand.

198. Although they are now able to provide ICT training, Outlook Resources feel that the existing unit standards:
     • are generic, including tasks that are not all that relevant to market demand;
     • take considerable time to learn for their skill content to have market relevance; and
     • have too low a points rating, meaning that providers have to comply with specifications in too short a time.

Matapuna Trust

199. Matapuna Trust in Gisborne was formed in 1986, with the objective of making training and work opportunities more accessible to those needing second-chance education, particularly Maori. Since then, the Matapuna Training Centre has grown into a successful private training establishment with 10 tutors, 30 computers and 50 trainees. Matapuna delivers TOP courses, DWI programmes, and some fee-paying computer courses for business and private individuals.

200. Matapuna Trust have raised some of the same issues as Outlook Resources about the way that ICT training is dealt with under the NQF, and the implications this has for delivering ICT skills that are relevant to employers.

Public access internet kiosks

201. New Zealand Post has been investigating the potential to establish a commercially viable self-service network of kiosks. It is believed that such a network could be viable if it is transactional in nature, and is underpinned by local community ownership of the solution e.g. a local business/government host will be found to host the kiosk. The host will receive income from this activity. The content on offer via the Kiosk will be predominately transactional and informational with a messaging service based on the electronic postcard also currently under trial. By adopting a strategy that avoids long transactions times, it is anticipated that customer acceptance will be enhanced and kiosk processes will be perceived as simple.

202. The trial, which was completed at the end of August, tested customer reaction to the physical and ergonomic characteristics of the various kiosk devices. The next step is to evaluate the trial results, and to select a preferred supply partner. After that, the next steps are to:
     • create a Kiosk Host agreement, which will then be tested on potential kiosk site hosts;
     • formalise the transaction set, which will commence with eBill and affiliated sales, along with direct links to major 3rd parties e.g. LTSA, Government and BillPay customers; and
     • create the business case that will demonstrate the various value propositions e.g. for New Zealand Post, for the Host, for 3rd Parties and for the customers.

203. It is anticipated that the business case will be completed in time for the November 2000 Board meeting.

204. SafetyNet New Zealand and E-Phone have announced that they are working together to develop the public access terminal and kiosk market in New Zealand. E-Phone would provide and support its Patloc management and control software, while SafetyNet would provide installation and support for Internet connectivity.

The library sector and a National Information Strategy

205. The National Library has worked alongside the Library and Information Association of New Zealand (LIANZA) and Te Ropu Whakahau, the organisation representing Maori librarians, to assist the sector in developing its response to issues associated with the digital divide. Both LIANZA and Te Ropu Whakahau consider that a foundation of information literacy will be an essential element of a successful government strategy, but that this must be complemented by appropriate content, as well as a range of access opportunities. For Te Ropu Whakahau, literacy, competence in Te Reo, and cultural confidence are additional requisites.

206. LIANZA has been active in pushing for a National Information Policy/Strategy. A National Information Policy would address strategic issues to ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to access and utilise a nation's knowledge wealth in a way that will enhance the social, political and economic well being of that country. LIANZA has conducted two Information Policy Summits, at which librarians and information managers from the education sector, local authorities, publicly and privately funded libraries and information agencies have discussed the issues involved.

207. A draft information policy framework was published in the October 2000 issue of Library Life. Overseeing the strategy would be the Government, through a sponsoring minister, so as to avoid fragmentation. The strategy would be managed by an Information Commission, which would have the objectives of:
     • further developing and implementing the National Information Strategy;
     • encouraging the creation and inputting of content;
     • auditing and monitoring standards;
     • ensuring that the National Information Strategy is considered in all relevant legislation and government policy; and
     • managing the relationship between central and local government.

208. The strategy would be underpinned by improved levels of "information literacy" (i.e. skills to access, process and use information effectively), which would be delivered through a national delivery infrastructure including libraries, education providers, marae and others. The national delivery infrastructure and the Information Commission, along with local government and communities, and the library and information sector, would then contribute to the core of the strategy, content. LIANZA see access to the right content and quality content as being critical to the success of the National Information Strategy.

209. LIANZA have met a number of Ministers over the past few months to discuss the National Information Strategy, and have received what they have interpreted as positive feedback. They are currently trying to put together a lobbying/information kit that can be used by LIANZA regions or subgroups to lobby local MPs and interested parties.

210. The Minister with responsibility for the National Library, Marion Hobbs, has made a National Information Strategy an objective for the National Library to work on. The National Librarian, Christopher Blake, attended the "Keystone for the Information Age" conference in London in March 2000, where these issues were discussed. It was noted that a large number of policies were being implemented in the United Kingdom, but that an underlying set of principles were needed to deliver a coordinated strategy. The Library and Information Commission proposed the following principles:
     • Connectivity - technical standards, integration and investment to ensure wide access.
     • Content - information services that address the real needs of citizens, communities and businesses.
     • Competencies - cradle-to-grave education and training to ensure that everybody is equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the information age.

211. As Mr Blake sees it, the successful implementation of a National Information Policy means that all citizens will have ready access to the information and services they need, when and where they need it. The three issues of connectivity, content and competencies can be met through legislation, education, regulation, culture, infrastructure development and exploitation of information.

212. In terms of the digital divide, LIANZA place emphasis on lack of access and information literacy. They recommend:
     • Public libraries as the primary access point. In this context, they raise as an issue the Local Government Amendment (No. 3) Act 1996, which places no obligation on local councils to provide library services, and is silent on the public/private good split within library services (which results in inconsistent funding policies and inequitable access).
     • Closing the information literacy divide. This is a central part of the National Information Strategy described above.

Raising awareness of the digital divide

Caritas

213. The fourth annual Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Social Justice Week, 17-23 September 2000, focused on the digital divide. Posters, activity sheets and a booklet, The Digital Divide: Poverty and Wealth in the Information Age, were distributed to Catholic churches and schools throughout the country. The booklet, which is available to members of the public, summarises the situation in New Zealand, and proposes options to address the divide.

The Jobs Letter

214. Issue no. 131 of the Jobs Letter was a special issue on the digital divide. Topics covered included statistics and policy developments within New Zealand and overseas, and examples of initiatives. How to find resources and suggestions of key priorities were also included. The Jobs Letter is widely circulated to a range of people involved in the employment issue and covers a diverse range of topics ranging from the future of work to training for employment and employment policies.

Research

215. As noted above, the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology, through its purchase agents, funds research that could potentially be relevant to the issue of the digital divide. A number of other research efforts are also currently underway.

Victoria University - School of Communications and Information Management

216. Rowena Cullen and Caroline Houghton of the School of Communications and Information Management at Victoria University have been conducting a research project assessing government web sites. Their research to date suggests that government sites performed well on basic criteria of web design, but lack:
     • a clear purpose for government web sites, and a failure to communicate this purpose to users;
     • appropriate use of metadata;
     • contacts for feedback and update of information;
     • statements (and adequate provision for) of confidentiality and privacy of personal data, statements of liability and copyright;
     • access for disabled users; and
     • availability of publications in both electronic and print formats.

217. The next stage of the research is to conduct focus groups, to discuss access to the Internet, and perceptions of and need for government information and ability to retrieve it through electronic, oral or print media. It is proposed to have focus groups of Maori, speakers of English as a second language, rural people, youth, older people, "middle New Zealand" families, young professionals and business people.

218. The School of Communications and Information Management is also trying to organise an Information Summit in early November, following on from the E-commerce summit. The purpose of the summit is "to discuss matters of national urgency in relation to national information infrastructure and information policy and advise government on these issues and on such related issues as parallel importing, intellectual property and retention of records".

Te Wananga o Raukawa ICT research

219. As noted above, Graeme Everton of Te Wananga o Raukawa (TWOR) has been confirmed as Senior Rapporteur for the ITU-D study question on the role of telecommunications in social and cultural development. Part of the work programme for 2000/01 is research relating to TWOR's recent requirement that every student enrolling purchase a computer. The research will look at the effectiveness of computers in assisting the learning of Maori students, and the impact on iwi, hapu and whanau.

Trust Waikato

220. Trust Waikato has commissioned research on the use of ICT by the community sector in the Waikato region. A sample of applicants to the Trust will be surveyed on hardware and software capability, Internet connectivity and barriers to connectivity. A report on the survey is expected by the end of 2000.

2020 Communications Trust

221. The Trust was established in 1996 with the following objectives:
     • promote understanding of the impact of the digital information revolution;
     • ensure quality of access for educational, social and cultural organisations to the benefits of the Information Highway; and
     • promote Internet and interactive networking communications as a cost-effective means to enable the public to easily access information and to more effectively participate in the decision-making process of government.

222. It is involved in a wide range of activities, including interactive breakfast seminars on the social and cultural impact of new technologies in the 21st century. Two other specific initiatives are Wellington Community Net and Computers in Homes. Wellington Community Net

223. Along with other partner organisations, the 2020 Trust helps Wellington communities establish a presence on the WWW by:
     • providing technical advice to local organisations;
     • offering Internet Training & Web Publishing classes;
     • maintaining a not for cost web hosting service on W4 - Wellington.net.nz;
     • maintaining www.wcn.net.nz, a Web site providing information about Wellington neighbourhoods and their educational, community and cultural information resources.

Computers in Homes

224. The Trust has recently launched a six-month pilot programme to research the impact computers have on education and family life. This involves gifting computers and Internet access to 24 families in Cannons Creek and 25 families in Panmure. At the end of the pilot scheme, the Trust will document the impact that the computers have had on the schoolwork of the children, and spinoff effects on parental computer literacy.

(e)-vision

225. (e)-vision is a digital media centre for communication, art and technology, located in Wellington. Their objectives are to:
     • promote and reinforce the cultural identity of all New Zealanders through the medium of digital technologies;
     • enrich and further the NZ identity with creative content in the multimedia and on-line industries;
     • promote equitable participation in the development of digital technologies; and
     • promote and facilitate the communication and enjoyment of the arts using digital media technologies.

226. (e)-vision provides a location for hands-on workshops, presentations, training and exhibitions. It has hosted a variety of events since it opened, including multi-media presentations and breakfast seminars on digital issues.

"Seeding digital literacy" consortium

227. (e)-vision, Outlook Resources, the 2020 Communications Trust and the Kapiti Telecentre have formed a consortium with the philosophy that "the digital divide will be bridged, not by technology, but by people sharing knowledge and working together". Individually, the partners have achieved successful outcomes "on the smell of an oily rag", and collectively, they have run the gamut from IT provision (from corporate to the entrepreneur and the unemployed) through formal, informal, targeted and open applications in urban, suburban and ex-urban demographic areas.

228. The aspiration of the consortium are:
     • representation on relevant government working groups;
     • to be used as a forum to communicate the strategy; and
     • developing a network of e-centres in association with central and local government and the community.

NetDay

229. Telecom NetDay 2000 is a national volunteer project to give real and practical help to schools wanting to create IT networks, using a combination of local, regional and national public and private resources.

SeniorNet

230. SeniorNet is a large and growing programme. There are currently 55 SeniorNet groups - or Learning Centres - throughout New Zealand. Each Learning Centre is established and run by an independent committee, who organise their own premises, classes and funding. All teaching is done on a voluntary basis. As part of SeniorNet's philosophy of "peer training" members are taught by other computer literate members. The SeniorNet learning centres operate as charitable organisations, with course fees covering costs.

231. Telecom provides a "Start-up" package for SeniorNet groups, which includes: two free telephone connections; two years free line rental; a $1,500 establishment grant; free connection to XTRA; free usage of XTRA for two years.

Computer Recycling

232. There are a number of organisations that recycle old computers, which can then be given away to people who need them. The 2020 Communications Trust, supported by the Ministry of Education, has set up the Computer Access NZ Trust. CANZ works with accredited computer recyclers in Auckland and Wellington, who share a code of practice and the Computer Access quality brand. CANZ believes that three accredited recyclers would be the right number for the New Zealand market, but at present only two companies, The Ark in Auckland and the PC Recycling Channel in Wellington are accredited (PC Recycling Channel can supply South Island needs).

233. The recyclers refurbish and upgrade used equipment donated by commercial and government organisations, clearing the hard drives of all existing information. They aim to sell recycled machines at around $450 per machine, which covers the cost of refurbishing and installing a licensed operation system.

234. Schools have first call on machines recycled through CANZ, followed by not-for-profit organisations.

235. Apart from the recognised recycling companies, there may be other people around with the expertise to refurbish used PCs. For example, as part of Project Rorohiko in the Tairawhiti region, it was planned that a local person with ICT expertise would refurbish the PCs for $80 per machine, considerably less than the cost charged by recycling. It is not clear, however, that the recycling would meet CANZ standards.

Community portals and networks

236. Many communities are using the Internet to enhance local communities - whether urban neighbourhoods or rural towns or districts. This 'community networking' goes beyond online discussion and Web pages to include everything from public access and training to e-commerce and electronic democracy. Although, community networking is still in its early days in New Zealand, there are many community networks based on either communities of interest or geographical ones. Some networks are emerging from within existing organisations, while others are new initiatives.

237. Community networking projects are most often broad partnerships between a wide range of organisations in an area, including local or central government, small businesses, voluntary organisations and individuals. Examples include Not Just Gumboots and Scones rural women's network (www.notjust.org.nz), St Albans Net (www.stalbans.net.nz), Eden Park Neighbours Association website (www.epna.org.nz), Raglan.net (www.raglan.net.nz). The types of content includes:
     • services, eg health, welfare,
     • advertising by local business, particularly tourist activity and local businesses
     • history and pictures
     • forum for discussion of issues
     • interaction
     • news and events
     • classified ads.

238. Network websites are often accompanied by email groups for regular information dissemination.

239. As well as genuine community networks there are many commercially developed websites on which community content is included essentially as an afterthought, or is conceived of in very narrow terms.

240. Northland has established what is described as the country's first community owned regional portal, Northland dotco (www.northland.co.nz). It is a partnership between the Northland Grow Trust and the New Zealand Community Development Trust, which has chosen Northland to launch the first of its regional sites, which will eventually cover the country.

241. At its heart is a directory of businesses, community groups, clubs and support organisations - these organisations are entitled to a free listing, and non-profit organisations are also entitled to a free web site (businesses pay a $150 per year subscription). The site also links to several community sites, including the Kauri Coast (www.kauricoast.co.nz), Kerikeri (www.kerikeri.co.nz), Hokianga (www.hokianga.co.nz) and Kaikohe (www.kaikohe.co.nz).

242. As well as networks based on geographic communities, there are also examples of networks that are based on non-geographic communities of interest. For example, the Public Health World Wide Web Networking Project (www.publichealth.org.nz) is designed to facilitate the use of the World Wide Web by public health workers and organisations in New Zealand. It is funded by the Health Funding Authority.

243. The project's objectives are to:
     • improve coordination, mutual collaboration and communication within public health programme areas and between public health providers;
     • optimise the use of electronic networking by the public health sector; and
     • increase access to, and use of, relevant and accurate research and information to assist public health initiatives throughout New Zealand.

244. Activities include advice, training and a website for information sharing and discussion.

Site hosting sponsored by ISPs

245. Availability of free hosting for community organisations is extremely limited. There are large areas of the country which do not have access to free or cheap hosting. An option, for which statistics are not available, is sponsored hosting from ISPs. The following options are available:
     • Converge - Internet sites of up to 2 megabytes and is open to NGO not-for-profit members of the Association of Non-Governmental Organisations Aotearoa, Council for International Development and/or Environment & Conservation Organisations, and any other organisation that fits ANGOA, CID and/or ECO criteria.
     • Canterbury Cyberplace sponsored by Plain Communications, provides an opportunity for community groups to gain a presence on the World Wide Web (WWW) through a Web page (or pages). This is a free service!
     • Hamilton Net - Free hosting for non-profit groups within the greater Waikato area, including Pokeno and South down to Taumaranui, the entire West Coast from Port Waikato to Raglan, and East to Coromandel and Thames.
     • W4 - The InfoCity group of Wellington City Council provides free website and email hosting to non-profit Wellington organisations.

Conclusion

246. New Zealand has not had an organised strategy to close the digital divide in the same way that other developed countries, such as the US, the UK, Canada and Australia have. All of these countries have accepted that in the information age, people without ICT access and skills may be left behind very quickly, and have taken action to close the divide.

247. New Zealand is clearly behind in this race. It is crucial that New Zealand makes immediate efforts to catch up, at the very least because the e-commerce and e-government strategies depend on a having a "critical mass" of e-literate citizens.

248. While action is urgent, it is clear from this survey that we are not starting from zero. A lot is already being done, both within government and in the rest of the country, which can be built on. What this suggests is that a policy response to closing the digital divide needn't be just government putting a lot of money into new initiatives. There are a lot of worthwhile things already happening that government may be able to support and build on, without needing to reinvent the wheel. For example, the examples of computer recycling raise the possibility of a more widespread strategy across government to identify and redistribute hardware to those who don't have it.

249. It is also clear that there are a number of people and organisations out there already doing things that are relevant. Government could look at partnerships with these groups, to deliver solutions that are in keeping with the wider community's ICT aspirations. What should also be noted is that this survey has only scratched the surface of what is happening outside of central government, and that a fuller level of engagement is crucial for delivering or supporting initiatives that will meet the needs of the community, and identifying partners.