CommunityNet Aotearoa Strategy 2007/2008
Introduction
The CommunityNet Aotearoa Advisory Group is in the process of determining the strategic direction for CommunityNet Aotearoa (www.community.net.nz) for the next four years. This strategy document (the Strategy) outlines the priorities for CommunityNet Aotearoa and highlights the key activities that are required to achieve the vision and strategic objectives. The Strategy will directly support the work that the Department of Internal Affairs are doing within their Local Government and Community Branch (LG&C).
The Strategy aims to support New Zealand’s 97,000 Iwi, Hapu, Whanau, Community and Voluntary organisations through creating an informed, up-to-date, and resource rich website that meets the diverse and changing needs of the Community Sector.
By providing a Vision and Strategic Direction for CommunityNet Aotearoa, the Strategy reinforces and builds on the past and current successes of the website as a powerful information and networking resource. It will help raise awareness and provide a basis for co-ordinated action by a wide range of stakeholders associated with the community sector.
This plan sets out a broad four-year strategic direction and outlines the key strategic themes and priorities that will inform CommunityNet Aotearoa’s work programme over the next twelve to twenty-four months. The Advisory Group will be monitoring progress against this plan and the plans that follow.
Background
This Strategic Framework was prepared by the CommunityNet Aotearoa Advisory Group to inform the business planning and work programme over the next twelve to twenty four month period.
The role of the Advisory Group is to:
- develop, oversee and advise on editorial policies;
- advise on the development of website functionality;
- contribute to the strategic direction; and
- contribute to development and implementation of a marketing campaign.
An online survey was carried out through the website in February and March 2007 to monitor the success in reaching audiences with the information and resources they need.
The survey illustrated that:
- the current strategic direction of CommunityNet Aotearoa is in line with users’ needs;
- all sections of the website are useful and appreciated by users both individually and as representatives of community groups; and
- the website is adapting sufficiently to meet and exceed the growing needs of the audience it serves.
The Advisory Group agreed that although the Survey highlighted many positive aspects of the website in terms of user satisfaction, frequency, design, navigation, and speed, the Survey did not provide sufficient information as to who is using CommunityNet Aotearoa and which communities were not using CommunityNet Aotearoa.
Framework for Action
Four Years
Building on the high growth and strong foundations set over the previous years, CommunityNet Aotearoa over the next four years will focus on strategies and activities that will enable and achieve the following outcomes:
- The website is widely used and regarded as a leading nationally recognised information resource by Voluntary and Community Organisations.
- The website meets the diverse needs of the Community Sector and there is high awareness right across the sector of CommunityNet Aotearoa.
- The Community Sector is well connected.
- There is a critical mass of Community Sector wisdom through collaboration and sharing of quality information.
- There is strong Community Sector buy-in and provision of high-quality and relevant content.
- Content supports sector organisations to understand and achieve long-term sustainability.
- There is strong support from key stakeholders including government agencies and crown entities.
- The Advisory Group is an effective body that provides strong leadership within the community sector with regard to the provision of web-based tools and resources.
Two Years
In order to achieve our four year outcomes, the Advisory Group over the next two years will need to:
- Understand the makeup of the Community Sector and its diverse needs.
- Identify target audiences within and across the Community Sector.
- Develop relevant, high-quality content to meet the growing needs of the Community Sector.
- Strengthen and build on relationships with key stakeholders.
- Implement a Communication’s Strategy to raise the awareness of CommunityNet Aotearoa amongst the Community Sector, Government Agencies and Crown Entities.
Twelve Months
In the next 12 months, the Advisory Group will work on the following:
- Develop a Community Stakeholder Matrix that clearly maps out all key stakeholders, the benefits they each receive from the success of CommunityNet Aotearoa, and how they can contribute to the ongoing success of CommunityNet Aotearoa.
- Gather current research / information that profiles the Community Sector i.e.
- Community Sector Level
- Sub Sectors
- Organisations
- Identify current users, potential users, target marketing strategy policy, content development and look and feel, to encourage wider usage. e.g. Maori / Pacifica content
- Identify and build key stakeholder relationships (government and non-government) that will support and strengthen the continued growth of CommunityNet Aotearoa.
- Develop a Communication Strategy to raise the awareness of CommunityNet Aotearoa.
- Initiate surveys to inform CommunityNet Aotearoa’s progress against its goals, the ongoing needs of the sector and the future growth priorities for CommunityNet Aotearoa.
Strategic Framework
The Vision, together with the Mission and Aim, provides our strategic direction. The Key Themes are the means for achieving the Strategy.
Release Date – 19 December 2007
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Link to the previous CommunityNet Aotearoa Long-term Plan 2004-2007