Councils score well for internet access

By PETER GRIFFIN

Aucklanders have a relatively advanced online relationship with the Government, according to a global survey which placed it seventh out of 100 in e-governance.

Most Aucklanders still carry out the nitty-gritty of local government business such as paying rates and applying for consents via mail, phone or in person.

But the survey, by Rutgers University in New Jersey and Sungkyunkwan University in Korea, sponsored by the United Nations, gave Auckland's official website high points for usability and content.

Auckland came in behind Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York, Shanghai and Rome as a high scorer in "digital governance". Sydney was 19th.

The researchers did not name the Auckland site surveyed, but it is likely to be either www.aucklandcity.govt.nz or www.aucklandregion.com. Auckland's six official districts are reasonably well-served by separate websites. Most of them link to services such as local libraries and allow people to check accounts or access town planning information.

The more general website www.arc.govt.nz also has a good deal of regional information.

Factors considered in the research included how easily information about the city council, mayor and executives could be accessed and to what extent citizens could interact with the council online.

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Rutgers