World-first digital encyclopedia goes live online: Te Ara: the Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Prime Minister and Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Helen Clark has launched Te Ara: the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, the first original, official, digital, national encyclopedia in the world.
[Via govt.nz News]
Te Ara is online at www.TeAra.govt.nz
‘Te ara’ in Maori means ‘the pathway’. Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand offers many pathways to understanding New Zealand. When complete, it will be a comprehensive guide to the country’s peoples, natural environment, history, culture, economy, institutions and society.
Te Ara
consists of 9 themes, appearing progressively:2005: New Zealanders – the arrival and settlement of the people.
2005: Earth, Sea and Sky – shaping forces such as geology, tides and climate.
2006: The Bush – New Zealand’s landforms, fauna and flora.
2007: The Settled Landscape – how people live in, use and change their environment.
2008: Trade and Exchange – the economy, business and city life.
2009: Connections – social groups, families and communities.
2010: Nation – systems of government and symbols of national identity.
2011: Daily Life – the customs, leisure activities and beliefs that make New Zealand unique.
2012: Creativity – arts, culture, invention and innovation.
In addition, between 2005 and 2008 there will be features on:
- 22 major geographic regions
- 50 iconic places such as Cape Reinga and Milford Sound.
