New web portal for government services

11.15am

The Government has launched a web portal which it says will give the public easy and quick access to a vast range of information and services.

Prime Minister Helen Clark and State Services Minister Trevor Mallard cut the virtual ribbon in Auckland, saying more than 3500 government services and resources were available on www.govt.nz.

They ranged from what people needed to know if they were having a child or renting a house to information about study, work and recreation.

"Many New Zealanders are internet-savvy and have been quick to adopt new ways of communicating both in business and in their daily lives," Miss Clark said.

"Our government is meeting this rise in demand for online services."

Mr Mallard said the technology companies who put the portal together were all New Zealand operations.

"It's a showcase for our innovative home grown technology and expertise," he said.

Mr Mallard also announced today that thousands of East Coast school students now had more opportunities to lift their computer and info-tech skills through a project that has delivered 2000 recycles government computers into schools and communities.

East Coast, Gisborne and Wairoa schools now had one computer for every three to four students, compared with one computer for 30 children when the project started two years ago.

"We're seeing computers being used right across the curriculum," Mr Mallard said.

"Becoming skilled with computers and internet-savvy is an essential tool that will help students get ahead in the knowledge economy."

- NZPA

www.govt.nz