Kiwi NGOs encouraged to use technology to their advantage

While a few New Zealand NGOs have been quick to adopt new technology, lack of investment is inhibiting the majority of NGOs from reaching their potential, says Tina Reid, Executive Director of Social Development Partners, an organisation representing voluntary welfare organisations in New Zealand.

"The issue is a lot greater than a lot of people realise – there are more than 97,000 organisations around the country, some of which are doing exciting things with social media and other digital tools, but there tends to be a real lack of investment in new systems," says Reid.

Representatives from some of the country's biggest NGOs are in Christchurch today to discuss the the important role technology plays for non-profits, charities and community organisations at the Connecting Communities event, hosted by Microsoft New Zealand and Social Development Partners.

"A lot of organisations don't have the resources in terms of technical understanding, skills, time and money, so one of the aims of the Connecting Communities conference is to foster understanding, develop skills and highlight what can be achieved through use of technology," she says.

The first event is being held in Christchurch as many Christchurch-based NGOs were affected by last year’s earthquake, and following consultation with the Ministry of Social Development who identified IT infrastructure needs as a key priority for non-profit and charitable organisations.

"Information Technology can assist non-profit organisations to do more with less, and increase effectiveness through better collaboration and services for communities in need," says Microsoft New Zealand Managing Director, Paul Muckleston.

"There are a growing number of examples of how technology can transform the way an organisation, or an entire sector of non-profits, can achieve its mission and assist in creating lasting impact in the community."

The Connecting Communities event will be replicated in the North Island and moves to Wellington on 5 March.

In addition to hosting the Connecting Communities events, Microsoft New Zealand assists non-profit organisations in acquiring the latest technology via its donation programme, which now reaches more than 1,330 non-profit organisations in New Zealand.

Over the past three years Microsoft has donated software valued at more than $25 million to non-profit organisations throughout the country. These include key partners: Plunket; Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand; Barnardos; and the Royal NZ Foundation of the Blind. However, more than $16 million worth of software has been donated to a diverse range of smaller organisations throughout the country via the TechSoup New Zealand programme.