28 November 2007: Aotearoa People's Network rolled out in Kawerau
Kawerau is the first community in New Zealand to benefit from the Aotearoa People's Network, which provides free access to broadband internet services through public libraries.
"Our aim to have every public library in New Zealand connected to the internet so that New Zealanders from all communities, both large and small, can benefit from creating, accessing and experiencing digital content," says John Truesdale, Programme Leader, National Library of New Zealand.
"With the Aotearoa People's Network in place, libraries are set to become a hub for the next digital wave, catering to patrons that are tech-savvy as well as giving those who are not yet familiar with the online world an opportunity to participate."
"It's great for a small community like Kawerau to be first with such an exciting initiative. Not only will it give Kawerau people free online access to content, it will also provide tools for individuals to create and store their own content," says Susan Harris, Library Manager of the Kawerau District Library.
The Aotearoa People's Network will be rolled out initially in five regions following Kawerau. The libraries in Tararua will be connected in mid December followed by libraries in Taranaki, Wairarapa, West Coast, and Canterbury. Initially, 34 libraries and 13 local authorities will be involved in this phase which is expected to be completed in March 2008.
Applications from libraries for the next phase of the programme are expected to be sought in February 2008.
The Network is a collaboration between the National Library of New Zealand, public libraries and business, with initial funding received from the Government's Community Partnership Fund. The funding covers equipment, networking, training and access to web based tools and services. The project is also supported by Telecom New Zealand, which has provided sponsorship funding as well as staffing resources in setting up the network.
The Aotearoa People's Network is a key project that comes under the wider government Digital Content Strategy aimed at ensuring New Zealanders are actively engaged in creating, sharing and using content in a digital form.
Further information
John Truesdale, Programme Leader, National Library of New Zealand
Phone 021 229 4136
Susan Harris Kawerau District Library Manager
Phone (07) 306 9041
