Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Living Heritage project?

Living Heritage has been established to capture and preserve New Zealand's heritage online, by creating a "living" database of original heritage resources. The website enables New Zealand schools to develop and maintain their own Internet-based resource.

How can I contact Living Heritage?

Email livingheritage@2020.org.nz
or write to Living Heritage, 2020 Communications Trust, P.O. Box 20-020, Wellington 6242, New Zealand.

Can any school participate?

Yes! The programme is open to all schools throughout New Zealand.

Is there an age limit for students taking part?

Any age group can participate in Living Heritage – they will simply require different levels of support.

Is there a fee to join Living Heritage?

There is absolutely no cost to join, and there are no obligations.

How does it link to the curriculum?

Living Heritage provides schools with a curriculum-based activity, integrating ICT curriculum areas including science, social science, technology, English and education for sustainability. Go to curriculum integration page for more information.

Living Heritage aims to motivate students and create more effective learning. Students become involved in real-life situations that require communication, collaboration, self-directed learning, problem-solving, researching, and publishing.

Which topics can we study?

Schools and kura are encouraged to identify a unique piece of local heritage. It can be anything which is important to your community, such as a person, event, landmark, marae, or building. Browse some story ideas.

How do I register?

Complete the online registration form.

Can we do one more than one project?

Certainly – the more the better. There is no limit to the number of projects you can submit.

Can we adapt existing work?

Definitely. Existing projects would just need to be converted into a web resource. You can register to receive an online story template or contact us for help.

What are the time frames?

It's up to you how long a Living Heritage project takes. It could be anything from a week to a term, or even longer.

Are the projects monitored?

Yes. The aim is to maintain the highest standards of quality control and ensure a safe environment for both students and teachers.

Can you help us to make our resource?

Certainly – the Living Heritage coordinator is on hand to help you at any time. Simply email livingheritage@2020.org.nz

Also, have you thought of asking people from within your community to support your students with their ICT skills. Parents or family members, teacher trainees, secondary school ICT students or people involved in community ICT groups, may be available to help.

How do we get our website online?

Go to Publish your story. This sets out everything you need to do, and provides technical help.

Can we use digital images?

Yes, but it is important to send compressed images that PCs and Apple Macs can understand. The file size of compressed images has been reduced, making them easier for the Internet and other computers to cope with.

Why is it important to know about graphics formats?

If you're designing graphics for the web and you save them as the wrong file, most people won't be able to view them.

So which graphic formats do the Living Heritage templates support?

JPEGs and GIFs.

Can we use video and sound recordings?

Yes. Contact the Living Heritage coordinator for more details.