About Work Raft

Work Raft Trust was established to provide a flexible and responsive approach to developing models and resources for community-based information and communications technology (ICT) projects.

Our vision is that New Zealand becomes a country where the full potential of information and communication technologies is harnessed in pursuit of equitable and sustainable community and economic development.

People

Work Raft is uniquely positioned to deliver against its objectives: the founding trustees bring many years of practical business, academic, and community experience. They are:

Bevis England: Executive Trustee for Work Raft, Director of Telework New Zealand, and Ambassador for Information Technology in Waitakere City. Bevis combines a long history of social and voluntary work with an extensive background in technology, journalism and public relations, and business consulting. In the ‘community ICT’ field he has worked with local governments, Maori organisations, and other community groups.

Andy Williamson: Deputy Chair of the Government's Digital Strategy Advisory group and Chair of the WaitakereOnline Editorial Board, Andy is also Managing Director of Wairua Consulting. He has a background in policy and the strategic use of ICT and is an experienced consultant and researcher. His interests include community informatics and citizen-based eDemocracy.

Greg Presland: Solicitor.

All three founding trustees were also members of Waitakere City Council’s Eco Tech Advisory Group

Funding

Work Raft relies on funding from partners and sponsors. It is set up as an active partner for any organisation that wants to achieve genuine outcomes with ICT-based initiatives – particularly in the field of sustainable, equitable development. Such partners could include:

- technology vendors and providers seeking to reach and develop new markets,

- community groups who share Work Raft’s objectives or wish to benefit from its work,

- corporate bodies seeking innovative and effective sponsorship opportunities, and

- government organisations looking for practical assistance with policy implementation.

Home > About Work Raft

Aims and Objects

Goals, deliverables and outcomes

Work Raft does not aim merely to discuss and pilot new ideas: it actively works to deliver sound community outcomes.

Work Raft does not seek to just agitate on technology issues: it focuses on developing, implementing and supporting practical tools, to deliver tangible benefits.

Work Raft does not believe that technology on its own is ‘the answer’: a holistic approach that recognises the role of broad consultation, the need for training and understanding, and the power of existing communities, networks and tools is essential for equitable development.