Puke Ariki launch Zap kiosks - Jul 2003

Abuzz's Zap kiosks are being used as the key internal information resource at the new Puke Ariki site, a project which constitutes the biggest cultural and heritage development ever undertaken in Taranaki, in New Zealand's North Island. The network of sophisticated kiosks are a pivotal tool in New Plymouth council's bid to significantly increase access to regionally and nationally significant collections and ensure that the stories of Taranaki are told to the world.

New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clark, officially opened Puke Ariki, a $20million integrated museum-library complex, earlier this month. The inspiring two-wing complex, is designed to be a powerful, people focussed centre for Taranaki, which increases access for local, national and international visitors to the rich heritage collection of both organizations.

New Plymouth District Council commissioned eighteen Zap kiosks, for their integrated museum-library complex. The kiosks are located throughout the Puke Ariki complex, with main stations situated in the library and each of the permanent galleries. The Zaps are being utilised both as wayfinders, tools for navigating around the complex and infopods, providing resources which augments information already obtained from exhibits.

The kiosks were designed to provide seamless links between exhibitions and information. "The Zap was the perfect solution for the complex needs of this innovative knowledge centre. The technology allowed Puke Ariki to integrate, enhance and significantly extends their facilities and service." Said Morgan Drew, CEO of Abuzz.

The decision by New Plymouth council to include touch screen technology in this visionary project, points to a growing trend amongst public institutions. " We are really at the dawn of interactive technology being fully utilised within public spaces such as libraries, museums and heritage site", said Drew. "The beauty of this type of technology is that it flexible enough to respond to the changing needs of such institutions, whilst providing information to the general public in an assessable and innovative way."

To read New Zealands "The Daily News" article click here
The Puke Ariki website is www.pukeariki.com