InternetNZ supports Christchurch schools with bridging services
InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) has announced funding for high definition video conference bridging services for
Christchurch schools for six months. The services will be provided through the Greater Christchurch Schools Network
Trust at a cost of $40,000.
The intention is to make use of this facility to connect Christchurch schools so that they can share teaching and
learning resources, both virtually and face-to-face. A representative of secondary schools principals, Phil Holstein,
Principal of Riccarton High School, says “This bridge offers the opportunity for schools to truly support each other as
they rebuild their learning networks.”
Carol Moffatt of the Greater Christchurch Schools Network says, “This has created for the first time the chance for
schools to really to work together creating a unique learning environment for the city.”
InternetNZ Chief Executive Vikram Kumar notes, “Our members, individually and collectively, are trying to do their best
for the recovery of the Canterbury region. Following the February quakes, our immediate response as an organisation was
a donation of $50,000 to Red Cross. There were also lots of individual efforts to help out.
“This support for Christchurch schools is the next step. We are particularly pleased that the bridging services are
being provided through a dynamic and respected local organisation, the Greater Christchurch Schools Network Trust. It’s
great to see the alignment with the capability building efforts being funded by the Ministry of Education for
Christchurch schools.
“InternetNZ is working on further steps to support the Canterbury region and will be announced over the next few weeks.”