Time flies by ....

There have a been a few developments at CommunityCentral so we're sharing some news below.

As we're running a website platform that members may use to store sensitive documents or make honest comments, security is paramount. If anything gets in the wrong hands it might undermine an organisation's work, as well as your trust in the website.

It has taken a lot of testing to be confident that what we're offering is robust and secure. More than we expected.

But as we reach the end of June we've almost completed the testing and tweaking. We can assure members that security is meeting a high standard.

Early next month we'll be making the Private workspaces and Discussion networks available. Initially we're accepting registrations of interest and will be setting people up using a staggered approach. Eight different organisations are ready to start using these features as soon as they're switched on.

At same time as new features start working you'll notice a change to the look of website plus some new things to help you. These include a members directory and a forum where you can add suggestions and comments for improvements.

As we go 'live' with new features, we'd really like you feedback. Is it working for your group? Is something missing? Any suggestions received will help us make the website better and better for everybody. We'll make changing as time and resources permit.

We'll be in touch next month when our new features are up and running. The countdown is on.

Tooltip: Want to contact another member?

Did you know you can enable your contact form? Any other member can contact you by simply clicking on your profile name from the directory, comment or recently joined list (eg suzie.sue) then clicking the Contact tab. Fill in the form that appears and a message will be sent to your inbox.

Before anyone can contact you, you must enable your Contact form. You do this via your personal profile, accessed via each member's MyPage (see the Easy Steps instructions below). The form does not show your email address or any other contact information.

This is a great way for all members to get back in touch with long lost friends or make contact with people from an organisation your admire. We're encouraging everyone to make it easy for others to get in touch.

Easy Steps to enabling your contact from

1. Login to CommunityCentral
2. Click on MyPage
3. Choose My account details tab
4. Scroll down and tick the box - Personal contact form
5. Click Send email
6. Any member can now send you a message.

Introducing our new Website Coordinator

We're pleased to welcome Catherine Cotter to the team. She's working 20 hours a week keeping the website ticking over and helping members.

"I have come a long way from Ireland to be part of this amazing project. The Website Coordinator role is similar to the work that I did back home where I worked for a small website and graphic design company in Cork.

During my time here I have enjoyed watching the site grow and develop. I have also really enjoyed learning about people working in tangata whenua, community and voluntary organisations in New Zealand.

Please do get in touch by webmaster [at] communitycentral [dot] org [dot] nz, phone 04 385 0981 or via Skype: catherine_cotter (chat only). If you're stuck or have got questions, I'm here to provide a friendly virtual helpdesk for you all - but please don't call all at once.

We have had some great feedback regarding CommunityCentral and it will be a very exhilarating few months watching the difference we can make in the community."

Regards, Catherine.

Packing our bags and coming on the road

Promoting CommunityCentral and getting your feedback means we have got to come to you. Not just to your inbox, but to your town or city.

CommunityCentral will run information workshops in July, August and September. These will cover how you can use the website platform within your organisation and the opportunities open for individuals to join or start Discussion networks.

Getting your feedback on the direction of the website and how it is funded long-term is also on the agenda.

We are ringing potential hosts at the moment. Although we cannot guarantee we'll be able to make, please get in touch if you'd like us to come to your town.