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What's New
Government Web Standards Wiki launched
The Web Standards team have launched a prototype wiki for New Zealand government web standards. We invite you to visit, login and post.
The wiki is a collaborative space for anyone interested in New Zealand government web standards (and web standards in general) to comment, add good use examples, link to new trends and resources, and generally share their advice, questions, bouquets and brickbats.
The site is a one-year pilot, with three major aims:
- to make using standards easier,
- to educate on why they are the future of the web,
- and to harness the expertise of the New Zealand and international standards community in shaping how and why we make websites.
Input from wiki users will be integrated into the standards evaluation process. The web standard unit’s advisory group will take into account wiki-generated submissions in all major decisions. In the spirit of e-participation, wiki users will regularly be able to see how their suggestions have been used in the finished products.
The pilot is also about spreading the word that standards are more a matter of site quality rather than site compliance. This is a message not just for web professionals, but for their communications and management colleagues as well.
The site is built on the mediawiki engine and moderated by a team of experienced web professionals, mainly from the public sector. While the wiki is open to everyone to read, only registered users can post. Accounts are easily set up via the site.
Launch presentation
The Web standards team demonstrated the new wiki and answered questions on Wednesday 28 November at the State Services Commission. Feedback from this presentation was positive.
Regular evaluation of the wiki and progress reports will be produced by the Web Standards team.
Contact
Anthony Hawkins
New Zealand Web Standards and Recommendations
Following a thorough review and consultation process, Version 1.0 of the New Zealand Web Standards and Recommendations was published on 21 March 07.
This version does not differ radically from the previous Web Guidelines; the emphasis has been on removing duplications and dated material, and making the standards more useable.
The standards have been revised, to ensure they can be measured and tested, making them more effective for Government agencies.
This Web Standards part of web site has been refreshed and a new section General Resources has been created. This section provides information on topics that will support and assist agencies in understanding and implementing the NZ Government Web Standards. In particular, the topic Assistance with the NZ Government Web Standards and Recommendations has good practice examples and links to other sites that may be of further assistance.
The Standards and Recommendations and associated support information will be reviewed on a formal basis annually and published during the 1st quarter of each year.
Upcoming Work Programme
The following outlines some of the activities that will be the focus for the next year:
- Feasibility research for a Test Environment
- Research on automated tools to support agencies in auditing compliance
- Reviewing Audit and Evaluation Criteria for accessible and useable web sites
- Annual review of Web Standards and Recommendations
Current Version
The current version of the NZ Government Web Standards and Recommendations is Version 1.0, last revised on 21 March 2007
Overview
The New Zealand Government Web Standards and Recommendations set a standard for public sector web sites in New Zealand. The major focus is accessibility - enhancing online access. People use accessible web sites. Accessible web sites are equally usable for all users, irrespective of physical or technological impediments. The Web Standards provide practical requirements to:
- Provide economical and equitable access to information
- Provide trustworthy information and services
- Ensure information reflects the core values of the Public Service.
Exemptions
If an agency has valid reasons for not meeting compliance, they MUST complete a Web Guidelines exemption application. Their Chief Executive or the equivalent second in charge must sign the exemption application. See Request for Exemption to Web Guidelines.
SSC staff will present the application to the e-GIF Management Committee, which will confirm the approval or non- approval.
Note that the exemption is only temporary. Agencies are required to comply with all the MUST imperatives and meet as many of the SHOULD imperatives they can. Agencies need to provide a plan of tasks and timelines to achieve compliance.
Please contact karen.burns@ssc.govt.nz if you are considering lodging an exemption request, or for advice on the next e-GIF meeting dates.
Governance
The steward of the Web Guidelines is the State Services Commissioner, supported by the e-GIF Management Committee. Working groups recommend standards for inclusion in the e-GIF. The Web Guidelines Working Groups consist of technical staff from agencies; some groups include IT vendor representatives.
Contact
If you wish to talk to the State Services Commission about any aspect of the Web Guidelines, please contact web.guidelines@ssc.govt.nz.
Further Details
For more details about Web Guidelines, see:
- Web Guidelines Working and Advisory Groups.
- Request for Exemption to Web Guidelines.
- Web Guidelines Glossary for help with terminology and abbreviations.
