Help with technology on offer

• Published date: 06 May 2021
• Publication title: North Canterbury News

SeniorNet North Canterbury is ready to help with internet banking and security tips, or just helping people to make the best use of modern technology.

The phasing out of cheques has been causing headaches for many people faced with using internet banking for the first time.

The local SeniorNet group has been running a seminar explaining how it works and the internet security around it. It is all thanks to local community board grants, chairman Bob Gumbrell says.

‘‘It’s open to anyone, but most of the attendees are over-60s. We have computers here, so we can sit them down at a computer and we have a programme which simulates internet banking.

‘‘It gives them a feel for how it works without having to move any money.’’

SeniorNet North Canterbury has a long standing in the community.

It was based in Hansen’s Mall in Kaiapoi before the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, using rooms provided by the Waimakariri District Council at minimal cost.

Since the earthquakes, the group has been based in its learning centre in the Rangiora Methodist Church grounds in King Street.

Funding from MainPower and the Community Organisation Grants Scheme has allowed the group to cover its costs, including rent, power, internet and insurance, and provide a service to its members at little cost.

‘‘Previously we had to charge a membership fee and a lesson learning fee, which became cost prohibitive for many people,’’ committee member John Ogier says.

Membership is now just $20 a year, with members able to bring their queries along to a session on the second Tuesday of the month at the learning centre, while a session on the fourth Tuesday is offered in the Kaiapoi Library.

Basic computing courses are available at local...