NRC updated their website with EPiServer CMS

EPiServer way of working

Following closely on the heels of a successful implementation of their intranet using EPiServer content management, the Northland Regional Council (NRC) turned its attention to their public website. Like many websites, it reflected the vintage of its 1995 development, involving lots of inefficient manual processes, and static HTML and PDF documents. Few at NRC had knowledge of the system and its quirks, and it was strategic to reduce the risk in terms of the limited numbers of people who could use the system. In contrast, many users across the Council, from communications to management teams and front line staff, could become fast and competent adopters of the EPiServer way of working.

Existing internet had outgrown its architecture

The existing NRC internet had outgrown its architecture, in terms of both design and accessibility. As a strong regional authority, it was an opportunity to impart an innovative local flavour to regional information and council services.

"Little did we know that the NRC internet would be tested in its first week of operation with a deluge of traffic, as we sought to deliver rapid Civil Defence information, when the region coped with its second devastating one in a hundred year flood." Tracey Morris, Online Communications Officer, Northland Regional Council.

New home page played a vital role during flooding disaster

NRC's new internet was tested beyond expectations in its first weeks of going live as floods swept the Northland region. Thousands sought information as the home page adopted a vital civil defence role. The site was able to perform quickly and efficiently as new information, photos, and valuable links were provided to the public. Within half an hour we had a whole new home page dedicated to the storm. "While immediate publishing was to the fore, NRC's internet will continue to deliver a list of positive outcomes:

• Excellent scope and flexibility for content editing, archiving and pre-authoring.
• Clear, good design and navigation makes an information rich site very accessible.
• A new window to Northland, covering the environment, infrastructure, lifestyle and economic components of the region.
• A website responsive to the region's needs