The final session prior to lunch was presented by Karen Burns, a senior analyst at the State Services Commission. She was speaking to the topic of Adhering to Web guidelines … with flair. See also the Web Standards site at the NZ Government.

Key Development Goals
To develop excellent state servants. To build networked state services. To coordinate state agencies. To make state services accessible. And more.

The E-government Strategy in NZ was re-launched last week.

Web Standards Version 2.1
The latest version of the NZ Government Web Standards, with version 2.1 being the current version. Standards are all about open access to all New Zealanders. Want to make it easy and consistent for people to find sought information.

In June 2005, there were a number of good web sites highlighted (good = compliant with the standards). See odi.govt.nz, e.govt.nz, reducerubbish.govt.nz, and 4million.org.nz (the top-rated one). Other organizations don’t have to embrace the guidelines, but are doing so to ensure easy access by everyone.

What’s the difference between Standards v2.1 and v3.1? (a) continued clarification; (b) good practice examples; (c) standards and recommendations; and (d) accessibility. We are encouraging more self-auditing by agencies. Also, if the site is using cookies, be up-front about it.

Next steps?

• v3.1 due in December 2006 (next month)
• Regular auditing of websites (self and by external entities)
• Annual review of standards
• Present standards as a wiki in 2007
• Review against WAG 2.0
• Think about next generation technologies

What can we do? Support these standards. Provide good practice examples. Participate in the continued review.

Conclusion
Help make government and oth

Questions and Answers
Q1. The majority of government sites don’t comply with the Web Standards? How will you force compliance?
(a) raising awareness; (b) better education. There’s no statutory force that SSC can apply; has to encourage compliance.

Q2. “Present” as a wiki, or permit editing by others?
The wiki will promote some participation, but won’t be totally open. There will be discussion pages, and there will be an open-for-all editing part for the developing version.

Q3. Will there be any legislation forcing private sector organizations to embrace such standards? (Alan)
No Cabinet mandate for this.

Q4. Who do the standards apply to, and how compulsory are they? (Mark)
40 core Government agencies, plus five others (Police, Military, etc.). Mandatory for these, but no power to enforce.