Investigation needed into IT project

Recent media reports relating to Archives New Zealand’s failing automated collections search tool, rolled out earlier this year with apparently minimal user testing, refer to the institution’s

‘‘$2 million system’’ ( Archives NZ ’crisis’ claim, Nov 22).

As $9.6 million was budget-voted for the project, does this indicate uncertainty as to the costs, a certain disingenuousness, or simply that under Internal Affairs’ control yet another lemon was purchased?

Whatever, this matter, following hot on the heels of the costly ‘‘Government digital archive’’ debacle, should merit examination by the auditor-general.

The current inability to research holdings online, exacerbated by continuing restrictions on reading room hours, demonstrates Internal Affairs’ lack of understanding, or concern, for the needs of researchers.

It also reveals incompetence and a frivolous waste of taxpayer money. How much longer is this going to be allowed to go on for?

Lindsay Ferguson (manager, corporate services, Archives NZ 1993-2006), Normandale