WHAT'S NEW

July 2008

SeniorNet Branded Merchandise

We have launched a small range of branded clothing which can also be customized for each seniornet Learning Centre. At this stage polo shirts, vest (sleeveless jackets) and caps are available to order. See your Learning Centre Secretary to place and order.
More items will become available in due course.

A few samples.

July 2008

SeniorNet Branded Memory Sticks

The Federation has been able to source a supply of high quality low cost USB Memory Stick aka Flash Drives, Pen Drives etc.
Each drive is Windows Vista "Ready Boost" enabled but will also work with previous operating systems as well. The have a one year guarantee, come in a gift box and have been especially branded for SeniorNet. Please see the Secretary of your learning Centre to order your Memory Stick. They are available in 1 Gb and 4 Gb sizes.

March 2008

SeniorNet Is Now In Mangawhai

On March 28 SeniorNet Mangawhai held a special meeting in the Senior Citizens' Hall. In attendance were 45 potential members, the recently elected Chairman, Neville Andrew and his committee of six, as well as the Chairman and committee from SeniorNet Warkworth who have been sponsoring this newest organisation for seniors. The Chairman of the Federation of New Zealand SeniorNet Societies, Ian Turner, together with Grant Sidaway, CEO from Wellington, welcomed Mangawhai into the SeniorNet 'family' and enthusiastically spoke of the development of SeniorNet in New Zealand over the past sixteen years to now reach a membership of over 17,000 in 100 clubs. Grant explained the unique method of peer-sharing of computer, Internet, and digital photography knowledge by volunteer tutors using structured course material which has proven to be a sound formula for the many thousands of seniors in New Zealand wanting to better understand their home computer. The local Kaipara District Council Mayor Neil Tillet, and Mangawhai representative Tom Smith were also present, along with John Carter, MP for the area, because input from local authorities, and support from central government has been most influential in helping establish SeniorNets throughout New Zealand. All welcomed SeniorNet to Mangawhai.

Mr. John Carter MP for Northland offers his support to the newly formed Mangawhai SeniorNet Learning Centre

After a tea-break members and guests were entertained by Brian Oakes from SeniorNet Warkworth who gave a spell-binding display of the magic that can be developed using PowerPoint, part of the Microsoft Office suite of programs. Those present were also offered training using this program.

SeniorNet Mangawhai is presently arranging new premises and equipment in readiness for an April startup using computers donated by SeniorNet Warkworth. More local tutors are required to enable the range of courses to be broadened. Those aged 50 years and over, whether absolute beginners or already possessing computer knowledge, are invited to contact Bev Bowmar on Ph. (09) 431 4071 for more information about SeniorNet Mangawhai and the interesting range of courses being offered in conjunction with SeniorNet Warkworth.
The address for SeniorNet Mangawhai Inc. is PO Box 72, Mangawhai 0540. Chairman, Neville Andrew, naandrew@ihug.co.nz

March 2008

Latest specials and opportunities available from GrownUps

Thanks very much for your continued support of GrownUps - we're very pleased to now be the #2 ranked site in NZ for the average time visitors spend viewing each page. Close to 50,000 people visit the site each month and we now have over 19,000 GrownUps members, who have access (free) to extra features and entry into competitions.

We have the following offers:

1. CRUISE PRIZE DRAW ~ Go in the draw to win a $7500 Cruise package to Fiji

2. Mix n MINGLE CRUISE SPECIAL ~ Our first GrownUps Mix n Mingle Cruise special departing 31st July

3. COMPETITIONS ~ Several regular and special competitions

For more information on the above offers please view the grown ups page.

January 2008

SeniorNet Stratford members receive ACE Awards

At the recent launch of the Adult Learners Week at Puke Ariki Museum, two members of SeniorNet Stratford received awards.   This function was the National Launch of Adult Learners Week and was attended by the Associate Minister of Education, Marian Hobbs, New Plymouth MP, Harry Duynhoven, who presented the Regional Awards, and Adult Community Education providers from throughout Taranaki.

Our senior tutor, Brian Anderson received an Exceptional Educator Award.   Brian is a Life Member of SeniorNet Stratford, has been teaching several lessons a week ever since the commencement of our Learning Centre, has held the positions of both Secretary and President, and is still taking a full part in tutoring, although now in his mid eighties.

Rosemary Cunniffe received an Outstanding Student Award, and also was awarded the Supreme Award of a WITT Scholarship.   Rosemary, formerly a computer tutor and help desk operator, suffered a stroke five years ago and was unable to operate her computer. She enrolled at SeniorNet Stratford at the end of 2004 and showed outstanding improvement.   She completed five courses and at the beginning of this year commenced limited tutoring at our Learning Centre.   Rosemary has shown outstanding tenacity in coming this far, and intends to go further in her computing and teaching.

SeniorNet Stratford would like to congratulate these two members on their achievement and their contribution to Adult Learning.

November 2007

Free online access to legal info sheets

Internet users now have easy access to plain English legal information.

The Legal Services Agency's LawAccess database now offers printable info sheets on a range of laws that cover commonly experienced problems.

The Agency's 2006 National Survey of Unmet Legal Need identified that 60% of people with a legal problem wanted information to help them solve the problem. Enhancing the quality of information available on LawAccess is a means of meeting this need.

Info sheets address commonly asked questions on areas of the law and complement the existing LawAccess resources. LawAccess users now have a choice of searching for info sheets, resources from the 150 contributing organisations, freephone numbers, or contact details for community law centres, Citizens Advice Bureaux, or lawyers.

An advertising campaign about LawAccess will run online, in community newspapers and on radio before the end of this year. In addition, the Agency will work with community law centres and Citizens Advice Bureaux to ensure workers know how to make the most of the resources.

The updated version of the Wellington Community Law Centre's 'Legal Reference Manual' (published November 2007) is the basis of the info sheets. 15 of a planned 30 sheets are now on the site at www.lawaccess.lsa.govt.nz

November 2007

Media Release - 20th November 2007

Policy Changes Creates Funding Difficulties
For
SeniorNet Learning Centres

The highly successful network of SeniorNet Learning Centres established throughout the country is facing a significant shortfall of funding. This shortfall has the potential to seriously affect the vital work of teaching computer and technology skills to senior members of our community.

Grant Sidaway, the Executive Officer of the Federation of NZ SeniorNet Societies says they have been hit with a "double whammy". Firstly the Tertiary Education Commission have let us down by not delivering on their previously indicated level of funding, and secondly our long standing sponsor, Telecom New Zealand Ltd, decided to sever their support at the beginning of this year.

"After a lengthy period of negotiation with the Commission during which we were asked to submit extra ordinary amounts of documentation, we were given the expectation our funding would be secure for 2007 and beyond. However, due to significant policy changes at the Commission we have ended up with less than half the money we need, Mr. Sidaway said. To top it off Telecom New Zealand Ltd withdrew their sponsorship as part of their community sponsorship cutbacks. Over the years we have been most grateful to Telecom for their generous support so we are not complaining.

This inadequate level of funding is making it difficult for a good number of SeniorNet Learning Centres and the Federation to remain financial viable. We have already demonstrated that reduction of costs and/or increases in fees are not realistic options.

All our SeniorNet Learning Centres (there are 84 spread throughout the country) are run by volunteers giving freely of their time to help others learn the technology skills so much needed in the world today. For example it's no longer considered a luxury to know how to use the Internet. It's a necessity.

There is a high degree of alignment between the objectives of SeniorNet and both the Government priority "Families - young and old" and the Adult and Community Education funding priorities. "The Minister for Senior Citizens ( Hon Ruth Dyson) understandably is a strong supporter of the work we do." said Mr. Sidaway. "It's time now for her words to be put into action and provide a stable funding platform for SeniorNet to continue to support and encourage our Seniors to participate in the age in which we live" he said.

We clearly meet government strategies in the areas of positive aging and continuing education, we have a proven track record and our cost to deliver our service is very low. We are a non-profit organisation.

We are not looking for a handout, Seniors attending our Learning Centre expect to pay something toward the running of the facility, but of course many are on tight budgets and to expect them to pay full commercial rates for learning would be unfair.

The bottom line is we really need an additional $400,000 per year to continue with our valuable work. If we can achieve that then it would be about a 50/50 split of being self funded and crown funded. We think that is fair and extremely good value to the Government in meeting its stated objectives.

November 2007

The Federation of New Zealand Seniornet Societies Inc. is delighted to announce this special offer exclusive to all SeniorNet members in the Auckland Region.

Dilworth Hearing Treating Auckland's
hearing problems for over 45 years.

Hearing can become a problem over time. But there's no reason why you should put up with hearing loss, especially when we're here to help.

Dilworth Hearing has been treating Auckland's hearing problems for over 45 years and we have the largest team of experienced audiologists working alongside leading ear, nose and throat specialists.

With multiple locations across Auckland, plenty of parking and modern facilities, it's easy and convenient to pay us a visit.

There is no need to live with hearing loss, so we're giving you a 10% discount on a hearing test. Just mention 'Senior Net' when you call to book your appointment. Visit us at www.dilworth.co.nz to find your nearest Dilworth clinic.

November 2007

Top of the South Regional SeniorNet Meeting

The meeting opened with Duncan Fuller [representative of Top of the South SeniorNet clubs] welcoming 44 members from Marlborough Sounds, Marlborough, Nelson, Tapawera, Golden Bay, Motueka and Grant Sidaway, the Executive Officer of the Federation of NZ SeniorNet Societies Inc.
Following an agenda, the meeting got underway with introductions and a short update from each club on their progress throughout the year. Smaller clubs confessed to be struggling, as the current financial situation is hitting them hard. Grant spoke on Federation funding and the difficulties met dealing with policy changes within the TEC, which radically changed the Federation's financial position. Prior to lunch there was a sharing of ideas on how to attract and retain members. Lowering the acceptance age from 55yrs to 50yrs has worked well with the focus on "fun learning".
	After lunch, a discussion ensued on, not only how to attract tutors but also to encourage assistants to become tutors. Short seminars followed given by Donald McIver [Marlborough Sounds] on Vista, Grant Sidaway on Word 2007, Graeme Valpy [Nelson] on Windows XP and the inbuilt ability for CD writing and Malcolm Garrett [Motueka] on how Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 is used in the Photo and Imaging Editing Course. After thanking the host club, Motueka, for their hospitality, Duncan brought a very successful meeting to a close at 3pm.

September 2007

SeniorNet South plans a trip to Deep Cove

Lakes, views of snow capped mountains, the bush, water falls, marine life, walking tracks, or one of the engineering wonders of modern man! Anything there that is of interest to you? All of these things are easily found, most in abundance, in the Fiordland National Park, and one of the easiest areas in which they are to be found is on a visit to Deep Cove at the head of Doubtful Sound.

With considerable foresight, at the completion of the underground Manapouri Power project in the late 60's a two storey accommodation building was left to the Department of Conservation and the Southland Education Board for the use of year 8 and 9 school children. Since that time thousands of school children have had a unique and often once in a life time opportunity, to visit this remote area in the heart of Fiordland, to study and experience both the bush and marine life that exists in the area during school camps.

Although the original hostel has since been demolished the voluntary organisation of the Deep Cove Outdoor Education Trust now operate a replacement building allowing these camps to continue. A the present time buildings that were donated to the Trust by the builders of the 2nd Manapouri Tail Race Tunnel have been moved onto the site at Deep Cove and are being converted into additional accommodation. These buildings will soon be ready for use and when not required by schools will be available at reasonable cost for other groups wishing to study and learn about and enjoy the natural wonders of the area..... Read More

August 2007

Hawera Annual Report - The spirit of SeniorNet

Another year has passed very quickly - somehow, it has seemed shorter than the year before. It has been a busy year with much happening on the broader scene and locally. We have always been aware of and proud of our own identity as Seniornet, Hawera. Seniornet locally relies so much on the good will, enthusiasm and commitment of its members. This has been, and I’m sure will continue to be our strength. With the formation of the Federation of Seniornet Societies we have developed another strength - the support of a central body which can work on a much broader scene for the collective benefit of all Seniornet groups in New Zealand. Read More....

Freda McGurk (Chairperson Hawera SeniorNet)

August 2007

Motueka Digital Interest Group (DIG) grows every month

If the numbers attending the monthly DIG meetings keep growing we might have to hire the Town Hall! There were 35 keen photographers at the August meeting which started with the showing of examples of seascapes/landscapes, the topic for the month. We were limited to four pictures each which was just as well because of the number lining up to have their photos displayed on the big screen.

The photos were very good but after thinking about them it has occurred to me it might be an idea to select a few and have a session suggesting how they could be improved or altered. Some people might not like having their masterpieces criticised but we would all learn how to do better. Also it would be interesting to know what editing had been done to the pictures shown. Were any of them untouched?

After the picture show Anton screened a couple of short Photoshop tutorials, one on touching up photographs and the other on compiling a montage, before we broke for the tea/coffee break and social time.

Many people of the group stayed to have a hands-on session. We used photographs that had been loaded onto the computers that were ideal for adjusting photographs, just as we had been shown in the first tutorial using the Histogram and Brightness/Control to improve the colour of the photograph. It was great for it was a follow-up on what Mike Allen had included in the hands-on that he had run last month, so there was a greater degree of understanding of what was being said on the tutorial video.

It was also so pleasing to see how well people had picked up the points and were also able to follow the guidelines so much better. At the end of the session the people on the computers viewed a slide show and were able to compare the difference and admire their great efforts.

The topic for next month is "Seasons." Doesn't have to be spring shots but perhaps by then (7 September) there will be lots of indication of spring.

Terry Smith

  

June 2007

AGM 2007 The first Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Seniornet Societies of New Zealand, was held in the Wellington Airport Conference Centre on the 20th June 2007 at 10.30AM. Download and read the minutes for the 2007 AGM here		AGM 20 June 2007
Ray McDonald, Ian Turner, Lyndsay Nobel	Brian Nelson, Louisa Coupland	Ray McDonald, Ian Turner, Neil Algar

May 2007

FEDERATION WELLINGTON REGIONAL MEETING
On the 18 May, Hutt City was delighted to host around 40 people representing the seven Wellington Region Learning Centres of Kapiti, Horowhenua, Porirua, Upper Hutt, Waikanae/Otaki, Wairarapa and ourselves. The meeting was also attended by the Federation Executive Officer Grant Sidaway and our Regional Representative Brian Nelson. In the morning session each Learning Centre gave a brief outline of their current position (positives/negatives, membership, courses, technology, etc) then Grant spoke about Federation matters. There was a lot to explain and cover which meant numerous questions and much discussion ensued. A very positive view about the establishment and progress of the Federation was expressed by those attending. After lunch a general forum discussed broader matters ranging from use of laptops, establishing a system to utilise Courses, premises and costs, discounts, shaping our position for the Federation AGM and many other matters. A very positive move was to arrange a Regional Tutors workshop which Porirua have agreed to host. There was discussion as to what we should call ourselves. Ultimately it was decided that formally we should be known as a Society but informally as a Learning Centre. It was felt we were primarily a learning organisation not a social club. Wairarapa have agreed to host the next meeting and it is hoped that a system of 6 monthly (May/November) meetings can be established. All in all a very constructive, interesting as well as informative meeting that was enjoyed by all attending.	Pictured during the lunch break are the representatives who attended Ready to start Hutt City Representatives with Grant Sidaway
Listening intently Meeting in progress At lunch

February 2007

The Federation: Your questions answered. The background, reasons for, purpose and operation of, and advantages of being a member of the Federation: A statement by the Federation interim Management Committee. Problems: SeniorNet clubs throughout the country have been receiving support through the work of Grant Sidaway and also in many cases, government funding through schools and polytechnics. The Telecom support that has made Grant's work possible is being withdrawn and government policy changes have resulted in most earlier sources of funding becoming no longer available. Costs are rising. Some rentals have risen 40%. New software is expensive. For these reasons the Federation has been set up as a way of obtaining government funding directly, and thus continue support and funding for clubs. Background: Establishment of the Clubs: SeniorNet clubs started in New Zealand some 15 years ago. Telecom saw a marketing opportunity and provided substantial sponsorship to enable an ambassador to promote SeniorNet throughout the country. It was by this means that Grant Sidaway was able to devote much of his time to support local people start and develop clubs. The concept of SeniorNet, that is, seniors helping seniors, has been remarkably successful. But also, Grant's ability to promote the concept has been exceptional. This has seen him continue in this role right from the beginning. These factors led to the establishment of over 100 clubs with almost 20 000 members throughout all of New Zealand. The clubs enrol something like 5 000 new members each year. Grant's Role: Grant's role as an ambassador and promoter of SeniorNet has seen him market SeniorNet on the national level, develop resources for teaching, set up purchasing opportunities for members and provide direct assistance to clubs. This assistance has involved Grant traveling extensively to speak at community meetings, club meetings, regional meetings and committee meetings. At times he has been able to rescue clubs that were in difficulties. All this has been possible entirely because of the support from Telecom, which has recently been over $140 000 pa. However, this support ceases on 31 March 2007, and thus Grant will not be able to continue unless other sources of funding are available. The Clubs: An essential part of the operation of the clubs is the need for computers. Also, dedicated space is required and maintenance of the equipment is necessary. These together impose a considerable financial burden on members. In total this is something like $1M pa. It is estimated that there are between 900 and 1000 computers owned by the clubs, each costing about $500 pa in depreciation. Some clubs, particularly in newer areas find that they pay anything like $15 000 pa in rent. There have been 40% increases in rent in some areas. While some clubs have been successful in obtaining excellent sponsorships, these cannot be relied upon. Also, they usually does not include help for operating expenses, but simply for the purchase of capital equipment. Given these financial burdens, clubs have sought funding in various ways. Some have been able to obtain grants from local schools and colleges as part of funding provided by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) called Adult Community Education (ACE) funding. Success in this area has been quite varied as clubs must compete each year for limited funds. This has resulted in the number of clubs receiving support in this way being quite low. Many clubs have been successful in receiving grants through Aoraki Polytechnic. In the early years, these grants were through the ACE funding scheme. In the last few years, this type of funding was by government policy restricted, and the Polytechnic then made "mainstream" funding available, whereby SeniorNet members were enrolled as regular students of the Polytechnic. Further changes in government policy have forced Aoraki Polytechnic to reduce its support for clubs outside its area and this in fact has almost stopped completely and will do so by the end of 2007. Finally, the TEC has flagged that further specific funding for SeniorNet clubs through the previous channels cannot be expected for 2007 and beyond, leaving many clubs in the lurch. Government Grants: Some club members are against the concept of seeking government grants for their clubs. But it seems that most are in favour. The TEC distributes about $2.45 billion pa to the country's tertiary institutions, a very substantial chunk of taxpayer's money. Many SeniorNet members did not have the opportunity to take part in tertiary education when they were young in the way that it is so readily available to young people today. They have paid taxes most of their lives and in some cases are supporting grandchildren as they study in tertiary institutions. Recently the TEC has, following government requirements; established priorities for the use of ACE funding. SeniorNet education clearly falls within these (See the Federation Charter and Profile.) Thus it is appropriate that clubs should continue to seek government grants. Establishment of the Federation: The suggestion that a national organisation be set up was raised in early 2006. This became of more interest to clubs as the effects of the changes in government policy became clearer. A draft constitution was drawn up and Grant met with representatives of clubs in all regions. As a result, the draft constitution went through 12 versions and was twice reviewed by a retired judge, who is a SeniorNet member. The number of clubs required to establish an incorporated society signed the application; the constitution was submitted to the Registrar of Incorporated Societies and approved. The Constitution and Certificate of Incorporation are available on the Federation web site In parallel with the forming of the Federation, discussions were taking place with senior officials from the Head Office of the TEC, the purpose of which was to explore ways in which SeniorNet could be recognised and funded directly. The Hon Ruth Dyson - Minister for Senior Citizens, has been kept briefed on all aspects relating to SeniorNet and has been very supportive of the formation of the Federation and most helpful with the TEC discussions. She is a strong advocate of SeniorNet, (she sees SeniorNet as fulfilling one of the main objectives she has for senior citizens) and as such has offered her support in ensuring that SeniorNet is funded correctly. The reasons for establishing the Federation: It is clear from the above that there was a need to seek financial support for both the role of the ambassador and to help the finances of many clubs. In fact, a high proportion of clubs depend on grants. The TEC made it clear that it would only fund a national body which was established as a legal entity and which represented those clubs that sought funding. The reasons for this are entirely practical. Obviously the TEC would find it inefficient to deal with a large number of individual clubs and also, the documentary requirements would be very difficult for many clubs to meet. In this regard, it would be irrational for all clubs involved to be repeating essentially the same documents. The TEC has a category of organisations that it terms "Other Tertiary Education Providers". (OTEPs) Alternatively the term "Private Training Establishments" (PTEs) is used. The Federation thus falls into an already established category of similar educational organisations, (such as the Literacy Foundation -- which is similar in size and geographic spread to SeniorNet). The fact that SeniorNet clubs meet several of the TEC's ACE priorities and that the Federation naturally falls into an established TEC category ensures that funding will be approved on a regular basis. It should be noted that the Federation is termed the "Provider", even though it does no teaching. As a provider, the operational expenses of the Federation will be paid out of the TEC grants, thus covering the necessary administration costs and the costs of any staff / contractor. The Purpose of the Federation: The paragraphs above should have made the purpose of the Federation fairly clear. However, it needs to be emphasized that the Federation is a Society of members, that is, the clubs that join the Federation. As such, the Federation is clearly the servant of the members and exists to support their needs, not to control them. It should in no way dictate to member clubs. Reporting and Quality Control: While the Federation's role is to respond to the needs of clubs, it does have a responsibility to see that the requirements for the payment of government grants are met. To that end, the Federation needs to require Learning Centres to provide certain reports and to maintain a high standard of teaching and learning. In common with all educational organisations, standards of quality of delivery are expected. These are set out in the Quality Management System and Handbook for Societies, both of which are Federation documents, available on the web site. The Operation of the Federation: The Federation: The Constitution, as is usual, provides for the operation of the Federation to be under the control of a management committee elected by the Federation members. (See the Constitution.) Clubs must make application to join the Federation and in doing so agree to meet basic requirements. That is, to receive grants, an Agreement must exist between member societies and the Federation. The Letter of Application for Membership, which clubs will need to complete to join, is available on the Federation web site. Each club becomes one member of the Federation with the right to send one representative (or a proxy vote) to the AGM. To get the Federation operational before the first AGM, regions elected an interim committee. The AGM will be held in June and nominations and elections will be required for all committee positions. Documentation Requirements: Charter and Profile: At its first meeting, the interim committee completed the documentation requirements necessary for the Federation to have OTEP status and to start grants flowing. These were the Charter and Profile, which are statutory requirements. They had been written, submitted to, and approved by, the TEC prior to the meeting. The committee reviewed and adopted them as official Federation documents. (See the web site.) Given the time scale, consultation on these was limited. However, they must be reviewed regularly and further input will then be sought. The Charter and Profile contain certain requirements that the Federation and member societies are required to meet. They are that SeniorNet activities must not overlap those of other educational organisations to any great extent. That is of course no problem. The Federation and the member societies must co-operate with other educational organisations where it is appropriate to so do. The Federation and the member societies must consult with other organisations that have an interest in their activities to ensure that their activities are of value to them. The Federation will be giving help on these matters in the future. Quality Management: This is a necessary responsibility the Federation must undertake. In this respect the Federation fills the role that Aoraki Polytechnic, or the schools fill. This involves a considerable amount of documentation as set out in the Quality Management System and Handbook for Societies, both of which were reviewed and formally adopted by the committee. (See the web site.) One big advantage to clubs is that the Federation can help out with this and thus save them considerable effort. The committee considers that the reporting requirements, while still perhaps onerous, are considerably less than what was required by polytechnics. On the other hand, some clubs may find that these requirements are more extensive than those imposed by schools. It is clear however, that the TEC is lifting the requirements in these areas. Please note that the requirements the Federation interim committee has requested, are designed to meet the Federation's responsibilities with minimum demands on clubs. Management of the Federation: The committee: The committee has had its first meeting in Wellington. This involved some cost. But the constitution was written to allow meetings to be held by teleconferencing, so it is expected that costs will be held down in future in that way. Similarly, the AGM allows for voting by proxy to keep costs down. Staffing: The committee considered the various tasks that its staff or contractors would need to undertake. This covers a wide range from representations to government ministers, negotiations with TEC, interactions with other community organisations and the clubs -- including oversight of quality management, promotional and administrative operations. It sees an essential part of the quality management to be frequent visits to clubs to see how they are going (i.e. to audit their activities). A paper on this role presented by Grant was reviewed and adopted, (see the web site) and a decision made that it was best filled by a contractor. Each item in the list of tasks was costed carefully. Included in the contract are office and support staff costs. A contractual arrangement frees the Federation from many staffing, equipment and office complications. Grant withdrew from the meeting while the committee considered filling the role, Consideration was given to advertising the position through an employment agency. Balancing the cost of such an exercise, the requirements of the position, and Grant's known in-depth knowledge, understanding and expertise of our operation, the committee chose Grant Sidaway as its contractor and negotiated a contract with him. The details of this are at present in committee and the committee will need to make decisions about what and when of the details to release. But the contract does not take effect until the sponsorship from Telecom ceases at the end of March and is on a short term basis until the future is more certain. Financial: The committee has indicated in its first newsletter that it will be able to pay grants to clubs at an interim rate and that it will recommend a membership fee of $1 pa per club member to the AGM. The membership fee is intended to cover the "democracy" costs of the Federation: meetings, financial audits, etc. A bank account has been opened and will be operated over the internet using two of three committee members to authorize payments. IRD documentations is being completed. The Federation will have charitable status. At this point in time the Federation has incurred the cost of the Incorporation Certificate ($100), the committee meeting venue and committee members' travel to the first meeting. As the Federation does not yet have any money, these costs are being carried by other means in the interim. There has been, and will be, no charge to the Federation for costs prior to 2007. That is, there will be no charge for the extensive travel, many meetings, lobbying, negotiations and hours spent developing documents that have brought the Federation to where it is now. The Advantages to Clubs through Membership of the Federation: By joining the Federation: SeniorNet clubs will have the opportunity to receive (given they meet the Quality Management requirements) significant, automatic, steady funding assistance through the arrangements being developed with the TEC. Clubs will thus be able to plan their futures on a sound basis. SeniorNet clubs will have a national voice and lobby mechanism which will proactively promote SeniorNet as the first choice for New Zealand Seniors to learn computer and technology skills SeniorNet clubs will be greatly assisted with sponsorship arrangements that further assist with reducing operational costs of their Learning Centres. Such sponsorships will include telecommunications, software and hardware etc. SeniorNet clubs will have a supporting organization that will assist with providing teaching resources in a collaborative manner. New materials will be developed as resources allow. Teaching materials will be exchanged regularly. SeniorNet clubs will be kept up-to-date with emerging new technologies and given encouragement and support to adopt new courses for their members. Members of SeniorNet clubs will have privileged access to a wide range of discounts through its Lifestyle program. Such discounts will make it more affordable to purchase new software and hardware and with arrangements being developed nationwide in areas of travel, holidays, investment etc. The Federation is determined to be a strong supporting organization for its members. It will act in a professional yet practical way to keep its costs to a minimum. Further Information: Further information is available from Grant Sidaway (0800 746 467 or grant@seniornet.co.nz) or from committee members. Grant will be visiting as many regional meetings and individual clubs as possible in the near future to ensure that the information is available and the process gets underway. On behalf of the interim committee Ian Turner (i.k.turner@xtra.co.nz) Committee Chairman (Member for North Auckland) Other Committee members: Ray McDonald (Auckland) raymcd-seniornet@ihug.co.nz Lyndsay Noble (Waikato/BOP) lyndsay.noble@xtra.co.nz Selwyn Jebson (Central North Island) selwynjebson@callsouth.net.nz Brian Nelson (Wellington) NELSONBJ@xtra.co.nz Duncan Fuller (Top of the South Island) pdfuller@actrix.co.nz John Butler (Canterbury) john.butler@xtra.co.nz Bruce Smart (Otago/Southland) john.butler@xtra.co.nz Federation web site details: www.seniornet.co.nz Click on the Federation Documents Tab Login: Federation Password: FNZSSUAG