History of Seniornet in Whitianga

From our Newsletter in 2016....

SeniorNet Celebrates 10 years in Whitianga and is still going strong

Thank goodness we have a voluntary group in Whitianga that has for the past 10-years been part of a national community training network called SeniorNet. Their role is to support and motivate people aged 50+ to enjoy and use modern technology in their everyday lives. And this coming December, SeniorNet Whitianga is proud to celebrate its 10thAnniversary.

While we all try to embrace change in the world of electronics, nothing is more daunting for many people who endeavour to work their way around a computer or mobile phone for the first time. And once mastered, they never seem to stay in complete control for very long these days, as there are seemingly endless amounts of ongoing changes and upgrades to deal with. 

The younger generation were/are born into the world of computers and mobile phones and easily adapt to change, butfor many seniors, it can become very frustrating trying to simply get going, let alone trying to keep up.  

And when the experts are asked for advice, they can talk in a language all of their own which often leaves users a little confused and embarrassed to ask any further questions.    

The inaugural meeting to officially create SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated took place 12 October 2006 in the Mercury Bay Area School library. School Principal John Wright had earlier expressed an interest in having such a group use the schools computer facilities which led to local resident Ada McCullum accepting the task to seek out other interested parties. This resulted in a small group of enthusiastic locals meeting with Jan Collier, the schools head of computer studies, and Community Education programme organiser, Lorraine Bristow, and the formation of a steering committee.  Those elected onto the committee were Ada McCallum, Lorna Russell, Shirley Cawley, Mavis Hicks, Joe Lennon, Tony Pilmer, Peter Bethell and John Saunders. SeniorNet Whitianga Inc. is a Registered Charitable Organisation and is a member of The Federation of NZ SeniorNet Societies Inc.    

SeniorNet Hahei was already in full swing at the time, and happily provided support and advice in the setting up of the Whitianga group.  .   

Current tutor and active SeniorNet Life member Peter Bethell, who has been on board since day one, says the benefits of offering this service go way beyond learning the basics of computers and mobile phones. “Our regular gatherings and courses provide an open environment for everyone to share their knowledge, experiences, frustrations and problems with others and without the fear of embarrassment”.

Subjects covered by the SeniorNet Whitianga group are wide and varied and include; computer introduction, word-processing, emails, photo books, computer security, maintenance, backup, printer set ups, mobile phone basics and phone plans. Courses are run on Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week starting at 9.15am and finishing at 4.15pm. Each course is spread over 2 hour time slots each day. There is a $20 annual subscription cost (or $30 per couple) to join the local SeniorNet group.

Funds raised go some way towards paying for ongoing administration costs and to help purchase new equipment. A number of charitable organisations have also provided much needed funding over the years and continue to do so. 

SeniorNet’s course calendar mirrors the current school term time frames. They currently have around 140 members with 30/60 spread of men and women. 

Molly Brown, who is the current chairperson of SeniorNet Whitianga and tutor, says breaking down the fears around modern technology is key to our teaching. “We have open days for potential new members to come along and take a look at what we offer. We also have problem solving sessions where members can table a specific issue to a group for discussion, advice and possible remedy.  Course manuals are also produced and passed onto members for future reference. It’s a controlled but relaxed environment which everyone seems to enjoy and long term friendships are often made.”

Based out of the Whitianga Community Services building in Cook Drive for the last five years, SeniorNet has its own space complete with up to date equipment which includes; lap tops, Android and Apple Tablets, Smartphones, printer, projector and screen. 

Peter says the local Mercury Bay Area School continues to be extremely supportive and is one of the main reasons SeniorNet Whitianga can operate as efficiently and effectively as they do. “We operate using  a wireless link to the school. Without their support, our services would be far less professional and would struggle to reflect the real world our members now live in”.       

 So why not join in the fun and learn how to do everything from simple word-processing to sending emails, organising photos, searching the internet and getting the best use out of your devices in a friendly and stress-free environment.  Plus you will get to speak and understand some of that foreign language that you thought had passed you by.