A new website is calling for New Zealanders to "adopt an MP", in a bid to get politicians up to speed with issues surrounding technology and the internet.
Co-founder Aurynn Shaw says it's all about "informing our representatives via social media in a positive, proactive way".
About 50 MPs are listed in alphabetical order on the AdoptanMP website. Click on an MP's Twitter link and you'll be directed to send a message saying, "Hi, can I adopt you?"
Three "girl-geeks" set up the website after Labour MP Clare Curran pitched the idea at Nethui, an annual conference on internet governance and policy issues run in Wellington.
The concept was also pushed last year by youth-led organisation Generation Zero.
Ms Curran, who is also Labour's spokesperson for communications and IT, sat on a Nethui discussion panel with Green MP Gareth Hughes, NZ First MP Tracey Martin and National MP Simon O'Connor.
"We all agreed that we need to have a more open government approach," she says. "I felt many MPs aren't as informed as they could be on matters of copyright and privacy, and their ignorance showed. So I suggested the idea off-the cuff, and within 90 minutes there had been a website created."
After the conference, 31-year-old web developer Ms Shaw says she felt inspired.
"There were a lot of great talks about the future of the internet and how we could all help.
"We thought this would be a great idea. We don't want to lecture or be condescending, but help inform MPs and create a partnership."
She joined forced with two web designer friends, Merrin Macleod and Megan Bowra-Dean, and pounced on the AdoptanMP domain name.
Ms Macleod, 24, says it's important our representatives have a good understanding of the technological issues they legislate on.
"It'll be a positive experience for adopters," she says. "They can engage more meaningfully in our democracy and political process, and I'm sure it'll be nice to have positive communication directly with real constituents.
"We're lucky to have a lot of MPs who are very accessible. It'd be great to see more people taking advantage of this."
Green MP Gareth Hughes was quick to praise the website, tweeting "excellent idea!" and offering advice.
"What it shows is the amazing initiative that exists in our tech sector, and how agile tech-lovers are to respond to initiatives," says Ms Curran.
But it's still early days for the AdoptanMP project, and Ms Mcleod says "there are a lot of possibilities".
"While the original idea was to help MPs understand copyright issues and the internet, it could be broader."
The team plans to meet with MPs next week to discuss the ways they are receptive to engagement.
Adopt an MP on Twitter:
Clare Curran @clarecurranmp: "#nethui folk have risen 2 the challenge & created Adopt an MP http://www.adoptanmp.co.nz/ hopefully we will all feel the love & learn some stuff"
Megan @megahbite 13h: "If we only achieve one thing with #adoptanmp it will be making MPs' public contact details a lot more accessible."
Robin Eyre @robin_eyre: "@DavidCunliffeMP Hi, can I adopt you? I am a teacher from your constituency. #adoptanmp"
Ben Uffindell @BenUffindell: "@clarecurranmp Of course! I'll take David Carter. He could do with a pat and a yummy meal to cheer him up."
3 News
source: newshub archive
