Do you struggle with digital age technologies such as computers and smart phones? You don’t have to be interested in them for them to influence your life. You cannot afford to ignore them in the hope that they will go away and you may miss some positive opportunities if you do ignore them. So how can we older folk handle this situation with our wisdom gathered over nearly a lifetime? Come along and join in at SeniorNet Napier to explore, learn, embrace and discuss this modern technology. Remember, YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO IGNORE THE DIGITAL AGE! Engaging with the world around us helps the brain stay active and this can be as valuable for our wellbeing as physical activity. Overcoming isolation is the most important task especially during retirement. Computers, smart phones and the internet are a great way to keep the mind active. Some just use the internet for the news, for monitoring their finances or for understanding the rights of older people. You can use Skype as a video link to communicate with people worldwide. Many older people have found Skyping their families and friends to be one of the most useful tools that modern technology has provided. Then there are the service functions; online grocery shopping, finding a local tradesperson or aged care provider, and check their references, and talking to our neighbours via Neighbourly.co.nz .
SeniorNet, a non-profit organisation, was brought to New Zealand in 1992 from the USA by Grant Sidaway from Telecom. SeniorNet caters for adult students over the age of 50 who want to use the internet, learn more about communication and keep up to date with information technology. Each SeniorNet is managed individually by volunteers and brings adults and computers together in a fun, friendly and stress free manner, teaching them everything from word processing through to surfing the world-wide-web.
In 1999 Brian Padget advertised and held a meeting of Napier people over 50 years of age that were interested in using computers. A very good turnout of people attended. A further meeting of those willing to run the organisation was held at his home where he advised that the local school would welcome us to use a classroom. The first committee meeting was at the home of Vicki and Johnny Johnston and consisted of the following persons:
Peter Blackmore (President), Peter Everett, Merven Stevens, John Harvey, Ila McInnes, Gordon Buckley, Margaret Buckley, Vicki Johnston and Johnny Johnston.
We learned at this first committee meeting that Brian no longer wished to be involved and the offer of the classroom had been withdrawn. Gordon and Margaret were owners of the Marineland Motel, and this venue became the first home for SeniorNet Napier.
The expectation at the time was that SeniorNet Napier would last about ten years because by then most 50 year olds would have become computer literate through their work experience.
SeniorNet managed to obtain grants from Telecom and the Lotteries Commission quickly followed by a grant from Eastern and Central Communities, and purchased five computers costing about $3,000 each. There was much interest from the public and funds for membership and courses quickly accumulated. Help to develop course curricula and course manuals and to organise tutors and course scheduling came from John Selby who was familiar with similar tasks. The society used the motel until 2001 when the motel lease changed hands. A new venue was set up in Atawhai, Taradale and SeniorNet Napier remained there for seven years.
In 2003, Aoraki Polytechnic became the NZ government’s funding agency for non-profit teaching organisations and SeniorNet Napier then began to receive some national financial support. Grant Sidaway from Telecom formed the Federation of NZ SeniorNet Societies in 2006 and the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) became the NZ government’s funding agency. Grant was able to gather a number of sponsors and together with TEC, a good financial support system was established, enabling SeniorNet Napier to achieve a very healthy financial position.
A chance remark at a social gathering in 2007 presented SeniorNet Napier with the possibility of obtaining a sole use venue. All Saints Church was planning a major refurbishment and new build project. St Peter’s Hall was in the way. Gordon and Frank submitted three proposals to the Church. The choice for SeniorNet Napier to purchase the hall for one dollar and commit to a ten years ground lease agreement was accepted. Planning began for SeniorNet’s Divine move. About 12 months later the building was re-positioned 50 metres away. Tradespeople installed plumbing and re-wiring and a team of volunteer members headed by Bill Allan of SeniorNet Napier then worked on re-boarding the inside, laying concrete paths and constructing new access decking. The whole of the interior was painted and the bright fresh atmosphere was ready for students in November 2008. The overall cost of the Divine move was close to $40,000.
The government terminated funding for SeniorNet in 2016 and presently the nature of sufficient future financial support is uncertain. After over twenty years from inception SeniorNet Napier is still operating albeit with reduced membership and low attendance of courses and workshops. A rethink of what the society should be offering in terms of assistance with information technology, is due.
List of Presidents:
Peter Blackmore 1999-2002
Bert Tripp 2002-2003
Frank Crotty 2003 – 2008
Gordon Brown 2008 – 2013
Karen Harrap 2013 – present.