New Zealanders' Internet Use

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. The E-government Unit has since commissioned further surveys of demand that are available on the Research pages of 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."