History

SeniorNet is a community based organisation which emerged in 1986 in the USA from a research project at the University of San Francisco. The project's aim was to determine if computers and telecommunications could enhance the lives of older adults. 

SeniorNet was first established in Wellington in 1992 with support from Telecom New Zealand. This was not only the first learning centre in New Zealand but also the first to be set up outside North America. 

SeniorNet Hutt City commenced in 1999,  thanks to the efforts of a small group of dedicated and hard working volunteers supported by our major sponsors.

Since then we have  rapidly expanded to where approximately 400 students a year are taught from the basics to quite advanced computing.

With a current membership of over 500 we enrolled our 1000th member in October 2003.

All of our tutors are volunteers and were previously students.

In 2003 we established a relationship with Aoraki Polytechnic of Timaru which enabled benefits to be provided for both SeniorNet Hutt City and its members through writing of courses, funding, student discounts for members and a Freephone  Help Line.

In 2006 Cityline, our longtime major sponsor,  reluctantly asked us to move out, as they required the rooms for their own staff.

After a long search we leased space from Hutt City Gardens Accommodation  on Level 1 at 5 Andrews Avenue.

Late in the year our relationship with Aoraki Polytechnic ceased due to government requirements.

A Federation of New Zealand SeniorNet Societies has been formed and we are members along with most SeniorNets.