Current e-government activity
E-government has been developing in New Zealand for at least a decade and there is a wide range of current activities creating opportunities for participation.
Public Service and non-Public Service departments reported through Round 2 of the E-awareness Survey (October 2003) on the 178 e-initiatives that are being planned or developed [E-government initiatives are: infrastructure and standards for ICT, electronic services initiatives (including e-enabled business information and processes) undertaken individually, or jointly, by government agencies (i.e. delivering services via the Internet to businesses, people and stakeholders). Definition from E-awareness Round 2 Survey, October 2003.] . These initiatives have been grouped according to the three categories of participation defined earlier: information, consultation and active participation. Of the 178 e-initiatives:
- 66 e-initiatives did not directly involve participation by public and business (e.g. implement S.E.E. Mail; aligning policies and practices to eLegislation requirements)
- 63 e-initiatives for category 1 (information)
- 5 e-initiatives for category 2 (consultation)
- 43 e-initiatives for category 3 (active participation)
Other initiatives that provide opportunities for participation are listed below (not an exhaustive list):
|
Strategy or Initiative |
Agency |
Activity contributes to: |
|
The Digital Strategy provides an integrated framework for existing and future initiatives to encourage the uptake and effective use of ICT for economic, social and cultural gain. The Strategy refers to the various ICT-related strategies and initiatives that support Content, Connection and Confidence such as:
|
Across government |
Capability Accessibility Tools Information |
|
Council established to promote and participate in public dialogue on cultural, ethical and spiritual aspects of biotechnology. The Council enables public participation in the Council's activities and uses their website as one channel for participation |
Bioethics Council |
Consultation |
|
Providing data management and website building tools for communities and businesses. The Trust aims to lower the threshold cost and complexity for communities and businesses setting up an Internet presence |
NZ Community Development Trust |
Tools Capability |
|
Changing its building consent requirements to include broadband in new developments. This is in line with their target to "..ensure every household and business has access to broadband services" [www.manukau.govt.nz/smartmanukau.htm#itu] ; |
Manukau City Council |
Access |
|
Setting up community information databases that contain lists of community groups, funding sources; establishing learning centres for teenagers (IT, books). |
Manukau Library |
Information - accessibility |
|
www.goodpracticeparticipate.govt.nz - a site established to help public servants engage successfully with community, voluntary, iwi and Māori organisations. |
Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector |
Tools Capability |
|
A Trust created to help any community mobilise through better communication and interaction online. The Trust supplies the know how, tools and support required to allow anyone anywhere anytime - with Internet access - to participate - in the languages of their choice. |
Communities Online Trust |
Tools Capability |
|
The Smart Newtown research project aims to provide opportunities for residents to learn and improve IT skills, provide access to information and communication channels, and provide educational/economic opportunities for the Newtown community. |
Wellington City Council |
Tools Capability Accessibility |
While examples of e-government activity that provide opportunities for participation are presented above, it is useful to consider how New Zealanders are using the Internet.
The Government Online Survey (August 2003) by the global market research company, Taylor Nelson Sofres, determined that 45% of those living in the New Zealand had used the Internet to access Government Online (GO) over the past twelve months. This represents over half (59%) of those who used the Internet within a month. Internet usage was measured at 75%.
The major Government Online use is Information Seeking (38%), while 16% of New Zealanders have downloaded forms to later submit by post or fax, 10% have provided personal details to Government over the Internet, and 11% have transacted by using the Internet to pay for Government services or products involving the use of a credit card or bank account number. The least used Government Online service is Consulting (9%), i.e. using the Internet to express a point of view or participate in community consultations with Government.
Further detail on who uses online government services is published on the e-government website at: www.e.govt.nz/docs/go-survey-2003. The E-government Unit has since commissioned further surveys of demand that are available the e-government website. There are also references to participation presented in the 'Achieving e-government' report that suggests, "There are more opportunities for agencies to use the Internet to enable people to participate in government."
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