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The Computer Access New Zealand Trust was replaced by
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Computers are now a vital part of our children's learning and a basic tool for most community organisations. Today it goes without saying that information and communications technology (ICT) is New Zealanders' ticket to the 21st Century. Its one thing to understand all this, but quite another to give all groups in our society access to the ICT revolution. Though prices for new computers have dropped significantly, buying multiple sets in particular can be beyond the resources of cash-strapped schools and not-for-profit community organisations. To help solve the problem, the Computer Access New Zealand Trust (CANZ) was set up in 1999. It was an initiative of the 2020 Communications Trust, supported by the Ministry of Education. CANZ accredits computer refurbishing companies, which use the CANZ quality brand. This means they share a code of practice and an acceptable use policy for branded machines. Accredited refurbishers sell used equipment donated by commercial and government organisations, usually about three years from brand new. This equipment, all quality name brands, is refurbished, upgraded as necessary and sold with a warranty and after-sales service. Prices are significantly lower than for new computers. Schools which have bought CANZ machines in the past have consistently found them reliable and good for several years more service. When CANZ computers finally reach the end of their useful life, refurbishers take them back for environmental recycling. For many schools, a mix of new and refurbished computers can be a sensible approach. CANZ computers are less expensive than new models, yet they are network and Internet capable and handle almost all software used in schools today. (Some high-level graphics and video applications work better on new equipment.) As well as being available for schools, CANZ recycled machines are being used in the Computers in Homes project, which is reducing the 'digital divide' problem in low income New Zealand communities by supplying families with computers, internet connections and training.
Case
studies of schools using CANZ computers click below
E-waste
CANZ comment on the 60 Minutes TV item 'Electronic Wasteland',
broadcast by TV3 on 2 February 2009.
Contact CANZ:
Last modified: 9/2/09 |
Click
here to read about the donor
programme. E-WASTE
CANZ has been helping develop national e-waste
policy since 2006, when we published a major government-funded action
report.
Click
here to
download a PDF version. |