Monday, 28 June 2010

Digital Boost for Ngati Porou Families

Digital boost for Ngati Porou families

Over 130 families from Ngati Porou will benefit from a Government grant to the Computers in Homes programme.

The grant, which is part of the latest round of the Community Partnership Fund (CPF), was announced by Ministers Turia and Joyce on 8 July, and enables the Computers in Homes programme to reach more Ngati Porou families. Computers in Homes helps local schools provide computers, internet access and computer training to families with school-aged children but without access to a computer and the Internet in their homes. The latest government grant, which totals over $3 million, will support over 1,500 families from 10 different regions throughout the country. The CPF provides up to 50% funding for innovative digital initiatives, with the balance coming from business and local community partners.

The Government’s Community Partnership Fund focuses on connecting communities and building the confidence of people in the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

“This is a real coup for Ngati Porou to be able to expand the programme,” said Computers in Homes local coordinator, Leeanne Morice. “We estimate that there are 200 families in our community with school-aged children who do not have access to a computer and Internet in their homes. It is so exciting to have the opportunity to help close the digital gap for these families.”

Communications and Information Technology Minister Steven Joyce has also indicated his support for the Computers in Homes programme at a recent commerce select committee meeting, as reported, “Mr Joyce also promised the Government would step up efforts to ensure the 25 per cent to 30 per cent of New Zealanders who do not use the Internet could bridge the “digital divide”. He hinted money might be made available in next year’s Budget for schemes such as Computers in Homes, run by the 2020 Communications Trust, which provide refurbished computers to disadvantaged communities.”

“While we are delighted with this CPF funding for Ngati Porou and other regions across the country we recognise there are still around 100,000 New Zealand families with school-aged children who don’t have a computer at home. Minister Joyce’s comment gives us hope that the remaining families won’t miss out,” said Laurence Zwimpfer of the 2020 Communications Trust, which coordinates the Computers in Homes programme nationally.

Wednesday, 13 May 2009

Another Round???

Te Runanga o Ngati Porou has submitted a comprehensive application to the Department of Internal Affairs Digital Strategy Community Partnership Fund (CPF) giving two options 1) another 150 whanau 2) another 100 whanau.
We are expecting a decision from the DIA by the end of June.
I would like to thank the following people and organisations for their support in putting this bid together:
  • Laurence & Di and the team at 2020
  • My fellow Regional Co-ordinators especially Iv
  • The Ngati Porou Schools who have agreed to commit to the prgramme if successful
  • Hon Parekura Horomia (Member of Parliament) & Nona Aston (Gisborne District Council Deputy Mayor)
  • Mere Pohatu (Regional Director - Te Puni Kokiri) & Colin Brown (Ministry of Education)

Last Two Start Training

Te Kura o Hiruharama in Ruatoria and TKR o Nga Whanau Whanui of Tolaga Bay ar the last two learning centres to start training to complete the roll out for the Ngati Porou Computers in Homes project. When they graduate the 32 participants will take the total for us to 250 whanau who have participated and benefited from the Computers in Homes programme..
Well done to everyone...

Rejuvenation Time

Rejuvenations have been happening regularly since the start of the year. Upwards of 80% of participants have taken the opportunity to have their computers given a good going over by the techies at Awapuni. Surveys completed show a unanimous vote of support for the Computers in Homes Programme.
Schools that have completed their rejuvenations to date are:
  • TKKM o Kawakawa mai Tawhiti
  • Hatea a Rangi
  • TKKM o Mangatuna
  • Makarika
  • Whangara
  • TKKM o Waipiro
  • Tikitiki

Schools scheduled to have their rejuvenations within the next month are:

  • TKKM o Te Waiu o Ngati Porou
  • Mata
  • Ngata College
  • Te Waha o Rerekohu

Wednesday, 30 April 2008

TKKM o MANGATUNA


The 18th of April wasn't just a celebration at TKKM o Mangatuna because it was the last day of Term 1 it was also the day that 9 graduates received their certificates of completion of the Computers in Homes Training Programme. Even the mail run was put on hold as Tolaga Bay mailman Sam Waititi joined his fellow graduates for the ceremony.

Ngati Porou CIH Launch


The official launch of the Ngati Porou Computers in Homes Project took place at Hatea a Rangi School on Monday the 29th of October 2007. The Launch was attended by Te Runanga o Ngati Porou Trustees, Mayor Meng Foon, MOE Representatives Murray Brown & Colin Brown, Ngati Porou Principals, CIH National Co-ordinator Di Das, Kaumatua, parents and students of Hatea a Rangi School.

TKKM O KAWAKAWA MAI TAWHITI FIRST KURA KAUPAPA TO GRADUATE FROM NGATI POROU PROJECT

19 extra whanau at TKKM o Kawakawa mai Tawhiti will now have greater access to the outside world as from Monday the 17th of December 07. This was the date they graduated from the Ngati Porou Computers in Homes Project and eagerly took home their computers. Their graduation was shared with kaumatua, teachers and their whanau. Principal Campbell Dewes thanked Te Runanga o Ngati Porou for co-ordinating this programme on behalf of Ngati Porou kura.