Connections with the past to create a digital future

Published on 07 October 2013

7 October 2013

Wanganui is in the running to be a Smart21 Intelligent Community again in 2014, after reaching the global benchmark in 2013.

The Smart21 list, organised by the Intelligent Community Forum, recognises communities around the world which have taken conscious steps to prosper in the broadband economy.

Wanganui is the first and only place in New Zealand to make the list. The Wanganui District Council successfully lobbied for an ultrafast broadband network in 2009, which was a contributing factor in being selected in 2013.

This year’s Smart21 theme is ‘Community as a Canvas’. It focuses on how art, craft, history, traditions and attitudes contribute to an intelligent community.

Mayor Annette Main, Chair of the Whanganui Digital Leaders’ Forum, says Whanganui’s rich cultural heritage, built up over many decades, makes it an excellent contender for the Smart21 Intelligent Community Award 2014.

“Being connected with ultrafast broadband and moving into a digital future is a continuation of the culture of communication, commerce and creativity we have always valued.

“Our cultural infrastructure, such as the Sarjeant Gallery, the Whanganui Regional Museum, the War Memorial Centre and the Alexander Heritage & Research Library, has largely been the result of public fundraising and private philanthropy. Historically we have been committed to the arts, which has resulted in a deeply embedded culture of art appreciation within our community.”

We have always been an intelligent community known for our trade, innovation, art and heritage and with the early adoption of broadband technology we have proved we are the smartest city in New Zealand.”

Since Whanganui was named a Smart City in 2013, further developments have been made to connect the community. The Computers in Homes project has seen 125 more families set up with an internet connection, free Wi-Fi spots becoming available throughout the district and the information technology expo TechEx 2013 was run successfully.

“We are beginning to be recognised nationally as a district which not only understands the high potential of broadband but is also implementing a variety of plans to create a broadband economy. Other district councils are coming to us for information about how to be an intelligent community,” Mayor Main said.

The 2014 Smart 21 Awards will be announced on 21 October 2013 at a lived streamed event on http://www.intelligentcommunity.org/