News - Web guidelines approved

Government approves web guidelines

23 February 2004

The Minister for State Services, Trevor Mallard, announced earlier this month that the Government had approved the use of the New Zealand Government Web Guidelines across the public sector.

Public sector websites are expected to become much more accessible as a result of the legislation. Trevor Mallard described the move as �a significant step toward equitable access to government information and services for all New Zealanders.�

The main focus of the Guidelines, issued by the E-government Unit, is to ensure that government websites take into consideration older technology and software, slow connections to the Internet, and people with disabilities. They also promote consistent use of Māori language and sensible approaches to website design.

�Anyone with the ability to connect to the Internet, irrespective of his or her social, economic or physical situation, should be able to access any or all of the information and services the government makes available. These Guidelines will help make that possible,� Trevor Mallard said.

The Government has directed the Public Service departments to comply with the Guidelines. State sector organizations are being strongly encouraged to follow suit, and local government and private sector are also invited to adopt the Guidelines.

You can view the Cabinet paper and Cabinet minute of decision here:

http://www.e-government.govt.nz/docs/cabinet-minute-200402/

http://www.e-government.govt.nz/docs/cabinet-paper-200402/