New Horizons website improves access to council information and services

Horizons media and communications manager Jono Galuszka says the redevelopment was needed as the previous website, launched in 2016, was hosted on a platform which is no longer supported. 

“While we had some ability to manage the previous website on the old platform, we were at risk of the website going down. As our website is most people’s main way of accessing our information and services, we needed to address this risk.” 

The previous website served Horizons and our communities well, but the way people find and use information online has changed significantly during the past decade, says Mr Galuszka. 

“Over time, new functionality and changes were added to the previous website to meet emerging needs. However, the platform reached the point where it could no longer provide the flexibility needed to continue improving the online experience. 

“The new website gives us the ability to continue improving online services while making information easier for people to access.” 

The website has been restructured around the information people most often look for when using Horizons’ services, says Mr Galuszka. 

“People use our website for many reasons, including checking river levels and environmental information, paying rates, finding public transport information, applying for consents, and keeping updated with council projects.

“The updated structure brings information together in a clearer way, helping people to find the information they need more easily. There is also a more consistent experience across the new website, with clearer navigation and a layout that works across phones, tablets and desktop computers.” 

The new platform also gives Horizons more options to improve online services over time, says Mr Galuszka. 

“This allows staff to continue making improvements and introduce new tools when they are needed, making it easier for users to interact with us online.” 

The redevelopment of Horizons’ main website has coincided with an improved wider online presence, including the launch of the new Connect – Horizons Regional Transport and Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management Group websites, a refreshed Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge website, and the migration of related council websites onto the same platform, says Mr Galuszka. 

“Previously, we had to use multiple different website platforms for the various websites we manage. Moving all websites onto a single platform means information can be managed more consistently while providing a familiar experience across all our online services.” 

Horizons held a full open tender process for the website redevelopment project, with New Zealand company Effect selected to design and developed the website and support ongoing improvements to Horizons’ digital services, says Mr Galuszka. 

“Over the past year, the Horizons website received 301,021 website users and 1,906,274 page views, demonstrating the important role online information plays in connecting people with council services. 

“We will continue to make improvements to content and functionality to ensure the website meets people’s needs into the future.”