About Us

Wanganui’s Computers in Homes project was chosen to be supported by the NZ Government’s Digital Strategy Community Partnership Fund in June 2006.



The Wanganui District Council (WDC) is lead project partner. WDC Councillor, Sue Westwood is Chairman of our Steering Group.

The other members of the Steering Group are

* Sally Patrick, WDC Community and Cultural Manager
* Bob Dempsey, Wanganui Library, Wanganui Literacy in Employment Research Project
* Nygllhuw (Nigel) Morris, Wanganui Incorporated, Chamber of Commerce, KiwiWebs
* Di Das, National Computers in Homes Manager
* Laurence Zwimpfer, 2020 Communications Trust
* Craig Sharp, Principal, Castlecliff School
* Robin Paul, Principal, Wanganui East School
* Sharon Duff, Business Development Manager, UCOL

The Steering Group meets monthly and members contribute their strong local community support management experience. A comprehensive Project Governance Terms of Reference has been developed by the Steering Group.

Our Project Partners are

UCOL Whanganui provides pathways to further learning and is committed to helping our families/whanau succeed in life.

The 2020 Communications Trust manages the National Computers in Homes programme and provides strong support to Wanganui.

The Watchdog Corportation is our project's Internet Services Provider. Watchdog ensure our families/whanau can connect to the internet as safely as possible and offer participating families heavily subsidised connection rates.

Microsoft supports Computers in Homes by providing software and through its UPLIFT Community Affairs Programme.

55 Families receive computers to use at home in December 2006

During December 2006, 55 families/whanau received their computers to use at home. Here are photos of our graduating students and families:

Wanganui Computers in Homes Launch Celebration

Our launch was celebrated on 2 November 2006. We were hosted by Castlecliff School with a magnificent powiri and afternoon tea.

Below, L-R, Glen Adams, Teacher, Aranui School, Jill Pettis, Member of Parliament, NZ Labour Party, Mary Dean, Teacher, Castlecliff School, Sally Patrick, Community and Cultural Manager, Wanganui District Council, and Alistair Fraser, Project Coordinator.

Sharon Duff, Business Development Manager, Wanganui UCOL and Hon. Tariana Turia, Minister of State, Maori Party of Aotearoa.

Chester Borrows, Member of Parliament for Whanganui, National Party and Craig Sharp, Principal, Castlecliff School.