Local projects that make computers and the internet more accessible to more families and more community groups will get a boost with the appointment of the first Director of the Waikato 2020 Communications Trust.

Two of the Trust’s projects - Computers in Homes which provides computers, internet connections and skills training for families in low decile schools and WaiNet , a free web hosting and development service for non-profit community groups, are both to be extended and developed.

Trust Chairman Ted Zorn recently announced that Trust Waikato and Perry Foundation grants had enabled the Trust to employ Janet Leggett as its first full time Director. She joins the Trust after 10 years as the Enterprise New Zealand Trust’s Waikato, King Country and Coromandel Coordinator for the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme.

 “This year we want to grow and improve our highest priority projects so that they deliver greater value to the community.  Having a Director to plan, drive and monitor those projects is critical to the success of the Trust. The Director’s work will enable us to carry out projects more quickly and effectively and will support what is being achieved by our project champions, who are all volunteer Trustees and supporters.”