Connecting Communities Strategy

The Connecting Communities strategy aims to increase the ability of communities to access, participate in, and efficiently use Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Problem solving focus

The strategy particularly focused on finding ways to help communities to use these technologies to solve local problems and increase their ability to create a strong and healthy society.

Multi-sectoral approach

Connecting Communities adopted a multi-sectoral approach – bringing together community groups, tangata whenua, tangata pacifika, philanthropic organisations, private and public sectors to plan for and use technology to strengthen our communities and shape our future.

History

The strategy was developed and published in 2002, and managed by the Department of Labour until 2005. Activities included three CyberCommunities pilot projects, the Connecting Communities Conference in November 2003,  community consultation on the draft Digital Strategy in 2004, and initial planning the Unlimited Potential train the trainer project.

Publications

You can download several useful publications, including conference reports and research papers, from the Connecting Communities page (under Publications Docuument and Resources in the left hand menu).

Responsibility

With the launch of the Digital Strategy in May 2005, responsibility for core Connecting Communities activities passed to the Department of Internal Affairs.

The Connecting Communities partners

The Connecting Communities strategy was developed by the Department of Labour in partnership with:

• Department for Internal Affairs;
• Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet;
• Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry;
• Ministry of Economic Development;
• Ministry of Education;
• Ministry of Pacific Affairs;
• Ministry of Social Development;
• National Library;
• Te Puni Kokiri.