NetSafe

NetSafe is an independent non-profit organisation that promotes confident, safe, and responsible use of online technologies.

We promote cybersafety and champion digital citizenship by educating and supporting individuals, organisations and industry on a range of issues.

NetSafe is a multi-stakeholder partnership which represents a range of perspectives from New Zealand’s cybersafety community. Partners come from a range of sectors and groups including:

•    Government
•    Education
•    Law
•    Industry
•    Community
•    Parents and Caregivers
•    Children and Young People

You can see our full list of member organisations and discover how to join and take part in ongoing discussions around topics including computer security, cyberbullying, mobile phones and social networking.

Current and recent work outputs

Despite a small staff, NetSafe as an organisation works across various internet themed topics that includes cyberbullying, computer security, education resources, consumer protection and policy advice/development in New Zealand and across the pacific.

Here is a selection of recent projects:

• The creation of a National Cyber Bullying Taskforce
  Our work in this field is driven by evidence-based research undertaken by Dr John Fenaughty
• The adoption of our NetBasics characters by the Australian Communications and Media Authority Cybersmart programme
  NetSafe has established a strong partnership with the Australian agency to share resources in the field of cybersafety
• Involvement with the government’s new Cyber Security Strategy
  NetSafe will play a key role in producing cyber security information and raising awareness among consumers, building on our work to produce the Whatsit, Scam Machine and In My Day websites
• Reactive and proactive work with New Zealand schools and community groups
  Our team promotes the student-centered Learn Guide Protect framework among educators and performs dozens of school based presentations each year around the country
• Advice and support for thousands of Kiwi consumers targeted by cold calling scammers
  Over the last year we have worked with our Orb partners to publicise awareness of cold calling technical support companies and offer telephone helpline advice to those affected
• Development of consumer advice around smartphone security
  Research in this area shows that mobile security needs to be adopted by many internet users as smartphone penetration rises

The NetSafe team

Founded in 1998, NetSafe is now a leading educational advocate for cybersafety. We are governed by a six member Board of Directors and managed by Executive Director Martin Cocker.

The Netsafe team have a wide range of backgrounds, including working as New Zealand teachers, and share an interest in the positive benefits of technology.

Funding and partnerships

NetSafe’s work is made possible by sponsorship: our strategic partners are the Ministry of Education and InternetNZ.

We have also worked on individual projects funded by commercial partners and look to build strong relationships with organisations across New Zealand, the pacific and the global cybersafety community.