The Internet is a core part of Kiwi lives
Colin Jackson speaks regularly on National Radio about the Internet and technology. A few weeks ago he shared with us some results from a recent survey of Internet users, the World Internet Project:
Internet users trust other information sources – TV, radio, newspapers – less than people who don’t use the Internet. It’s almost as though using the Internet makes you more cynical about other forms of media.
Q: So, the take-aways from the survey?
A: New Zealanders are big Internet users despite our low broadband uptake. People who use it come rely on it. Nearly two thirds of those of us who use it think it would be problem if the Internet were to be taken away. Essentially, the Internet is a core part of most New Zealanders’ lives. Not bad for a geek toy!
The AUT - World Internet Project says:
The World Internet Project New Zealand (WIP NZ) is an extensive research project which aims to provide important information about the social, cultural, political and economic influence of the Internet and related digital technologies.
ICDC’s longitudinal survey includes a cross-section of participants aged 12 and up across New Zealand. A quota ensures that people of Māori, Pasifika and Asian descent and the range of age-groups are not under-represented.
The report is available as a downloadable PDF, or you can order a hard copy.
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YouTube and the NZ 2008 Election Debate
We’re accustomed to watching politicians debate on TV when an election draws near. The 2008 debate between Helen Clark and John Key will be broadcast live on TV ONE on October 14.
This year though viewers are invited to send in video questions via YouTube:
Today, we’re thrilled to announce the ONE News YouTube Election Debate between Helen Clark and John Key, a history-making initiative with New Zealand’s public broadcaster, TVNZ. This marks the first time the head of a national government and a challenger will face YouTube video questions in an official live TV debate. The debate will be broadcast live on TV ONE on October 14.
So now it’s over to you.
This is your chance to interact directly with the leaders of both parties. All questions are welcome. Be as creative and compelling as you like, just keep your questions under 30 seconds. You may be a frequent YouTube user, or you may be giving it a go for the first time. The power of video is that you can show where you’re coming from, instead of just saying it. Whether you’re on a train, in a classroom, outside your lecture hall, in the centre of the city, on the water’s edge, in front of Parliament in Wellington, or an expat Kiwi abroad… get your camera and ask away.
… and stay tuned to see the questions — and the answers — as the country’s leaders respond directly to the issues that matter most to you.
[Via : YouTube Blog.]
Send in a video question and / or comment on and rate questions from others.
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Companies Office, Societies and Trusts website use RSS and podcasts
Did you know the Companies Office have a podcast? I only just found out. They also use RSS feeds, so you can easily keep up to date with what they’re doing, and it looks as though the New Societies and Trusts website live from 7 October will have RSS feeds too:
The Ministry of Economic Development is pleased to announce that a new look website for Incorporated Societies and Trusts will be launched on 7 October this year.
The revamped website will continue to be the place to search for Incorporated Societies and Trusts, upload financial statements and maintain details. There will be no change to the online services available on the website.
The revised site will contain a host of new improvements including:
- improved information
- improved site navigation
- better website searching
- a wider range of customer support services
- helpful links to other sites containing relevant and specialised information.
The website will add value to the New Zealand business community by better serving the voluntary sector and providing clear and up-to-date information to all.
[Via : Simon Young on Twitter.]
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Will you give it up?
The Social Justice commission has set up a website in the style of a newspaper, encouraging Kiwis to give up the extra they’ll receive in their pay packets thanks to this month’s tax cuts — Give It Up:
Generous Kiwis offer fair go with spare change.
This year the government announced tax cuts for the first time in years. They will start to come into effect October 1st. But what will we do with that extra money in our bank account? The $12 to $28 a week individuals will save on their tax bill is not a lot of money, but it can make a real difference.
For some of us that extra $12 to $28 a week will really help make ends meet, but many of us could get by fine without it. If you could, our suggestion is simple - give it up!
By giving it up to those who do need it, and those working to make a real difference, we can all take an active part in changing our nation and our world into more of the kind of place we, and our children, might like to live. It’s time to take power for change back and make a real difference, right where we are.
Watch the embedded video on the front page to see how ‘people on the street’ plan to give their extra to organisations and activities.
Or click through to read stories submitted to the site about how people plan to spend the extra. Add your story through the comment form, and if you’d like some regular inspiration and cheering up, subscribe to story updates via email, or through the RSS feed.
Nice use of WordPress there folks!
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CommunityCentral sneak preview
On the CommunityCentral blog you’ll a find a sneak preview of the new homepage. The web-based platform is a friendly place for tangata whenua, the community and voluntary sector, public health workers, advocates and others in Aotearoa New Zealand to come online to converse, share and work together.
We’ve decided to let people see the design for the new web-based platform. After we made a demonstration to attendees at the NZ Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisation’s AGM in mid-September, we realised it was time for a show and tell.
Over the last few weeks we’ve been doing a fairly intensive amount of usability testing. This has included a series of formal tests by AccEase who draw on a pool of people using screen readers and other assistive devices. I’m doing some more informal usability testing with a small group of typical users. And finally, the reference group we set up as been probing the e-newsletter function.
In developing the informal testing I’m doing I’ve drawn on some straight forward guidance that Rachael McAlpine wrote up a few years ago (see “Web site usability testing: recommended procedures“). I’ve followed Rachael’s advice before with good results.
A fairly large volume of usability feedback is being generated which all has to be analysed. This will be sorted into two lists: urgent; and nice to have but can wait. It’s not going to be possible to make the changes immediately as sometimes even simple things are both difficult and costly.
Of course, once we’re up and running we’ll be inviting visitors and members of CommunityCentral to post suggestions for improvements. Over time we plan to add features that will help further support people involved in community and voluntray organisation members.
If you’ve got any feedback on the sneak preview, post a comment.
PS We’re looking for a dynamic person who enjoys setting up systems, uploading content, and giving people really good support. Our ideal scenario is finding an intern or volunteer who will take on the role of webmaster and support person – for something like four or six months. Please get in touch if you’re interested or know someone who might be suitable (email Stephen Blyth).
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