Technology changing lives in Porirua

Hewlett-Packard and the Digital Porirua Trust have announced an initiative that will dramatically improve the Porirua community’s access to essential new technologies.

The Digital Porirua Trust has used a $400,000USD (NZ$762,000) education grant from HP to build a network of community access points in church halls, marae, community centres and schools within Porirua.

The centres are designed so people feel safe to explore new ideas and develop themselves through the use of technology.

The community access points form part of the wider Digital Porirua project. It recognises the important part technology plays in connecting our communities, helping people work together, increasing business productivity and helping individuals reach their aspirations.

“Digital Porirua aims to make access to technology easy: Whether it’s meeting the broadband needs of our high tech industries, better connecting our communities with the use of community portals, or bringing the benefits of technology within the reach of all in our community,” says Dr Roger Blakeley, Trust Chair and CEO Porirua City Council.

“With the help of Hewlett-Packard, we are on a clear path to achieving our goal to become a digital city. The Digital Porirua Trust has been created to administer the grant and oversee the community activity on a day-to-day basis.

“It is exciting to see access to technology having such a profound influence on the lives of people from all ages in our city. With many children using the centres to do their homework while retired community members learn how to keep in touch with friends and family on-line.”

One group of children is setting up its own internet radio station from the Porirua Gospel Church so they can share their creativity with over 800 homes within their community.

HP made the decision to focus the entire grant on one deserving community with a clear goal of effecting considerable change to the way everyone within that community used technology.

“The Digital Porirua Trust received the grant because Porirua could already demonstrate its commitment to becoming a digital city through ICT infrastructure development and community programme initiatives,” says Brent Kendrick, general manager, Personal Systems Group, Hewlett-Packard NZ.

“The Digital Porirua Trust’s vision for its community was very compelling for HP, particularly alongside our own commitment to helping NZ businesses, communities and individuals grow through the use of HP’s innovative products and services.”

The 2008 Education Grant from HP is worth $400,000USD (NZ$762,000) – comprising approximately $55,000 cash and $345,000 of HP products – including various peripherals.