SeniorNet: Policy changes create funding difficulties

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.

End of media release

For more information contact Grant Sidaway 0800 736 467

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