Glossary

accessibility

accessibility refers to relevance of information or service, readability and ease of use

active participation

a category of participation that refers to active engagement or relationship with the public and businesses with opportunities to define the process and content of policy-making and service design/delivery. This category includes transacting with government

broadband

broadband refers to telecommunication in which a wide band of frequencies is available to transmit information

consultation

a category of participation that refers to a two-way relationship based on consultation with feedback sought on pre-defined issues

digital divide

disparities between people arising from lack of access to electronic technologies due to any number of reasons such as skills, geographic remoteness, financial situation, or disability

e-government

e-government is government agencies working together to use information and communications technology so that they can better provide individuals and businesses with government services and information

EGU

acronym for the E-government Unit, State Services Commission of New Zealand

electronic democracy

'e-democracy'

that refers to how the Internet can be used to enhance democratic processes and provide increased opportunities for individuals and communities to interact with government and for the government to seek input from the community

online participation

participation through the use of Information and Communication Technologies.

Participation covers information, consultation and active involvement in government policy/service design and delivery

ICT

Information and Communication Technologies - an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as videoconferencing and distance learning [whatis.com: searchSmallBizIT.com Definitions - ICT]

infomediary

information intermediaries who act as the link for information and transactions between people and government. Examples are libraries, Citizens Advice Bureaux, community leaders, etc.

information delivery

a category of participation that refers to information that is relevant, of sufficient quantity and quality to enable people to make informed decisions when transacting with government

OECD

acronym for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

portal

a website that is intended primarily to link to other websites

public sector

The public sector comprises: the State sector ('central Government'); and all local authorities ('local government'), including local authority trading enterprises (LATEs). 'Public sector' is wider than 'State sector', which is wider than 'Public Service'

Public Service

the Public Service comprises the departments listed in the First Schedule to the State Sector Act; the number has varied between 36 and 39 in the last year. Sometimes described as the first, or inner, tier of the 'three tier State', the other two tiers being Crown entities and State owned enterprises. Narrower than both 'State sector' and 'public sector'

Senior Leadership & Management Development (SLMD) Programme

the SLMD programme develops the infrastructure and institutional arrangements for the development of senior leadership and management talent across the Public Service and the wider State sector