Reference Group / Encyclopedia of NZ / Project news
A technology partnership contract was signed on 14 May 2003 with New Zealand web communications and design company Shift Ltd to develop the online design and technical deployment of systems to support the Online Encyclopedia. Shift have subcontracted Optimation New Zealand Ltd for the provision of technical services. The selected solution uses Microsoft technology to support the workflow management and online publishing of the Encyclopedia content.
General Editor Jock Phillips has announced the first theme of the Encyclopedia, to be published in 2004. A series of about 100 entries will concern the Peoples of New Zealand. In addition, the entire contents of A. H. McLintock's 1966 Encyclopaedia of New Zealand will be digitised and published on line.
The Encyclopedia’s general advisory committee, chaired by the Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Palmer, held its inaugural meeting on 5 November 2002. The committee will meet about four times during the first year of the project and at least annually thereafter. Te Ara Wānanga, the Encyclopedia's Māori advisory committee, met for the first time in August 2002, under the chairmanship of Professor Ranginui Walker. Find our more about our advisory committees.