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The Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa provides free access to broadband internet services in public libraries so that everyone can benefit from accessing, experiencing and creating digital content.
The network benefits anyone who has access to a public library. It opens up the digital world to all people and communities by giving them access to computers, the internet and training. Scanners, audio recorders and Kete (digital repositories) allow communities to gather, digitise and store their histories and memories and to share them with others.
Libraries and their staff also benefit by building their skills and knowledge of the digital world and sharing this with their customers.
The Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa operates in phases. Applications from interested libraries are called for, applications are approved, and then installations are scheduled. Since phase 1 began in November 2007, over 120 libraries have been involved. The Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa is not currently taking applications for membership. See our Library Partners page for a list of libraries who have already joined the network.
The Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa was initially funded by the Community Partnership Fund of the New Zealand government’s Digital Strategy and by other government funding through the National Library of New Zealand.
The People's Network would also like to acknowledge the support of Sun Microsystems Ltd and Christchurch City Libraries. Our internet service provider Snap, winner of Best ISP 2009, is also a key part of the network's success.
This website is part of the programme’s commitment to keeping libraries informed and updated.
The Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa owes its origins to a similar programme in the United Kingdom - The People's Network - which was rolled out through over 4000 public libraries. Funded from the Big Lotteries Fund, The People’s Network provided computers, training and free internet access. It boosted new growth and use of public libraries and was a catalyst for the uptake and development of rich broadband capability in the United Kingdom.
In May 2005, the New Zealand government’s Digital Strategy signalled the importance of connectivity, confidence and content as key enablers to ensure New Zealanders benefited from the digital revolution. The Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa is one of the projects listed in the Digital Strategy, and a successful bid was made to the Community Partnership Fund for initial funding.
That bid provided a number of libraries, grouped in regions, with the technology, communications, training and content gateway to provide free access to the internet for customers. Further interest has seen funding extend the Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa to public libraries across the country.
Additional funding was made available from 1 July 2007 through the Digital Content Strategy, an initiative led by the National Library of New Zealand which focuses on developing digital content.
Public libraries and their funders and stakeholders have also seen the Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa as providing valuable digital opportunities to New Zealanders, particularly those who require support to learn skills and to find quality information to meet their needs.
At the Public Library Summit in February 2007, decision makers and thinkers from across central and local government, business, community, education and media agreed that the implementation of the Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa was a key priority for action.
Who is behind the Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa?
The Government (through the Digital Strategy), the National Library of New Zealand, and the Public Libraries of New Zealand.
What is the offer?
To provide customers with broadband, computers, training and the equipment and Kete (repositories) to digitise and store their own content, allowing them to take advantage of the internet and digital content.
Is there be a cost to public libraries to join?
Public libraries have to provide furniture and cabling internal to the library building. They also need to make time available for library staff to complete the training offered by the Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa.
Is the internet access at partner libraries free?
Yes. Public library partners must guarantee not to charge for internet access from the computers or wifi provided by the Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa.
Does the Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa provide the network connection?
Yes. Public library partners are provided with a separate network connection for the Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa computers. The Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa uses many network technologies to provide this connection, including DSL, wireless and fibre.
Are there any restrictions on what you can do on the Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa?
The network has been designed to allow users to be as productive as possible. However, the network must be secure and undesirable content must be blocked, so appropriate restrictions are in place.
Who owns the equipment?
The computers, software, printers and, in some locations, flat-bed scanners are gifted to the council at the time of the installation. The Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa owns the network equipment (and software management tools) except for the router, which is owned by the network provider.
Does the Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa manage the network?
Yes. The Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa provides a comprehensive managed network including:
The Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa maintenance window is from 21:00 to 08:00.
Why do public libraries need to offer free internet access?
This is best answered by reading pages 33-35 of the Public Libraries of New Zealand: A strategic framework 2006 - 2016.
Is the Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa internet filtered and is downloading prevented?
Yes. The content filter, which is updated regularly, is configured to block pornography and viruses.
Why give access to Bebo, YouTube and other social networking sites?
Public libraries are about free access to information, knowledge and literacy in both print and digital formats. Libraries are about not restricting the choices that people wish to make for their information and recreation needs.
What can be done to prevent access by the public to inappropriate sites?
Content filtering is on all machines, but this will not stop absolutely everything. The Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa team works with librarians to maintain this filtering and is able to track inappropriate usage if required. Material considered inappropriate in a public space will be shut down on request by library staff. Each library will also have their own policies around acceptable behaviour and the use of equipment. The fact that the Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa content filtering has not blocked a site does not prevent a library from taking action based on their own policy.
What are the impacts on the use of the library?