Christchurch firm helps "connect" Niuean Government
23-Jan-2006 - Company Press Release
The small South Pacific island of Niue is enlisting the help of a Christchurch firm to up-skill its Information Technology (IT) officials.
Tim Johnson, General Manager of Jethost, a local website development and hosting company, returned from Niue last month where he spent a week running web training and design courses, for Niuean government, tourism and South Pacific university officials.
The success of the training has been reflected in the broadening of skills and techniques learnt by the Niuean officials. These skills will help them teach others on the island as well as assist them in their everyday roles. Johnson said.
In late 2004 the Niuean government contracted Jethost to provide web hosting and technical support for their IT department. This involved Johnson being in constant communication with Niue's IT officers.
Many Niueans have had limited experience with computers and the internet and subsequently are eager to learn more about web design. The majority of the computers on the island are used in government departments, he said
Since becoming involved with Jethost, Johnson said the Niuean officials had made significant progress learning web design skills and techniques. But it is sometimes difficult to communicate effectively via email, especially when you are teaching someone a new concept or skill.
Both the Niuean Government and Jethost recognised the benefits of a visit to Niue by Jethost to provide further technical support and training through a series of web design seminars.
Niue relies heavily on overseas aid and charitable contributions and therefore has a limited IT budget. Jethost was able to offer a contract that was within the Niueans budget and allowed me to travel to Niue virtually straight away. Johnson said.
Despite using older computer equipment, Niue has free wireless internet access across the entire island.. We hope to further assist the Niueans and equip them with the skills to make the most of the opportunities that exist with their current infrastructure, Johnson said.
