The first Flaxroots Technology Conference, 2000

The Conference succeeded not only in attracting 230 people to learn about and discuss how ICT could be used by communities, it gave rise to an ongoing interest in and dialogue about themes raised at the conference. This impact has been felt nationally, and reached remote parts of the country. Several concrete initiatives have also been inspired by the conference such as the establishment of the Community Networking New Zealand email group set-up to promote issues discussed at the conference and community technology access projects in a number of remote areas.

As part of its work toward implementing the “Community Online Strategy”, adopted in 1998, the Community Development Group sought to identify opportunities to improve access to ICT by community organisations. CDG recognised that one of the most effective ways of increasing the level of support available to communities to get online would be for community organisations to consider what policies and resources were required. Setting up a forum to discuss this was identified as the most appropriate method to assist with this process. Before being able to effectively advocate, community organisations need first to understand the potential of the Internet.

The Conference was designed to address the following themes:

	Why communities should claim their space on the Internet, and how to do it.
	How the Internet and other technology can be used to benefit and empower our communities, hapu and iwi.

The themes outlined above were addressed through:

	Practical training opportunities
	Time for sharing experiences
	Case studies
	Workshops and seminars
	Discussion about IT issues in the community sector with a view to influencing public policy

A broad range of community and voluntary sector activities were showcased. Introductory Internet workshops held in the Telecom IT Roadshow were well attended.

Turn-out was large (230 people attended) and diverse. The organisations represented ranged from the Tuvalu-Porirua Wellington Association to the Manukau Healthy City & Safer Community Council and the Whakaatu Whanaunga Trust. As well as people attending from metropolitan areas and provincial towns and cities, more remote parts of the country were also represented with attendees coming from places such as Opotiki, North Hokianga, Tuatapere and Takaka.

Feedback from participants at the conference

Here are a few comments from participants:

"I got a sense of the possible/ exciting brave new world that people are keen to tap into."

"Presentations pitched right to encourage people to try new things- not intimidating or dominated by computer geeks."

"At the conference I established some new relationships and network ideas."

"I learnt not to be afraid of modern technology, and to go forth and upskill myself by training and using the Internet."

"A totally up to date feel of where community group computer networking is at in NZ. Inspiration to get political about the development of Govt. resources for access to the Internet. Access via the Internet to new networks of like-minded, people."

"Excellent speakers offered. Māori content very good. Additions to my network, ideas, an insight into what other community groups are trying to achieve."

Flaxroots Technology 2000 Conference papers

A selection of papers from the first Flaxroots Technology conference are available in the Papers section of this website