Smart Systems - Auckland War Memorial Museum

Kia orana, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Malo e lelei, Ni sa bula vinaka, Na maste, Talofa lava, Taloha ni, Talofa, Noa'ia Kia ora koutou, and warm Pacific greetings.

Thank you to the Auckland Mayoral Forum for the opportunity to be here today.

It is a great pleasure to be at the launch of a project that is such a positive step for Auckland libraries. This is an innovative and great example of Auckland working together to get better results for people.

Last year nearly 10 million visits were made to public libraries throughout the Auckland region. Fifteen millions items were borrowed. Three million virtual visits were made via the Internet through library websites.

Every year, millions of items are borrowed. New resources are added and old items are withdrawn. Everyday, while thousands of books are being returned, new members are joining their local library. Every minute, hundreds of library transactions are managed.

Underpinning all of this, are teams of dedicated library staff using library management systems software.

This system will further the goals of the Digital Strategy of connection, confidence and capability for all New Zealanders. It will pave the way for better access to information and resources. It adds value for library users in Auckland – making learning easier and above all enjoyable.

It is also important because it will help to improve access to libraries for many, many people - this is a great example of the sort of projects this government sees as important.

Why? Because smarter systems means better libraries.

Better libraries … for a Greater Auckland! Better libraries mean people who are better equipped to deal with the huge amounts of information we all have to cope with in modern society. That is a high priority for us as a government.

It is why we are investing $69 million this year in ICT initiatives in schools. IT is also why we develop a digital strategy to help people get the best from information technology. That strategy will guide huge investment by the government in the years ahead.

So, congratulations to the Mayoral Forum and the Smarter Systems Board for the leadership they have shown in delivering a successful project that will be a model for how local authorities can work together.

And now I would like to officially declare the Smarter Systems "launched and live".

ENDS