About NZOSS

The New Zealand Open Source Society is an incorporated society set up to protect, advocate and advance the use of Open Source Software in New Zealand.

What is Open Source software?

Check out our introduction to Open Source. The best way to get started is simply to use it! There is an amazing amount of software freely available to you today. You're possibly using it without even knowing it - the popular Firefox browser is open source software, and the search engine Google is built on top of an international Linux infrastructure. For more examples and things you can download for free today, see our Getting Started With Open Source page.

What does the NZOSS do?

The Open Source (and companion Free Software) movements are shaking up big business. Some companies, such as IBM, Novell and Oracle, are throwing their weight behind it; some have declared an intention to destroy it before realising it wasn't going away (by definition), and they would have to changing their mindset.

NZOSS represents Open Source users, creators and contributors in New Zealand by promoting software, representing the interests of the community to Government and the education sector. It also supports community user groups.

Joining NZOSS

To become involved in the activites of the society you simply need to subscribe to our online mailing list, which is as easy as emailing openchat-subscribe@nzoss.org.nz. The openchat list is the primary discussion mailing list for the NZOSS, and is open to all interested parties, whether a society member or not.

As an incorporated society, we also maintain an official membership roster. Our annual subscription fee is just $40 for individuals. Joining the NZOSS as a financial member shows your commitment to promoting Open Source Software in New Zealand and provides the society with valuable funds to fight on your behalf in copyright and patent issues. The NZOSS also supports local user groups around New Zealand.

Click Here to join NZOSS as a Financial Member Right Now!

If you are a family or company and wish to support NZOSS, please contact the society President.

Site Content and Comments

We do not allow anonymous comments on this site. If you wish to comment on any article you must register and login.

If you wish to contribute content (stories) or maintain or add site pages please contact the society Secretary for access to the relevant areas.

Society administration

NZOSS is governed by a constitution and run by an annually elected council.

• Constitution of the NZOSS
• The NZOSS council and their responsibilities
• AGM minutes (you must be logged in to view)

Community & Social Events

Members of the New Zealand Open Source Society do get together and socialise on regular occaisions. They also participate in online communities which allow both professional and personal networking with other like-minded people. Visit our Community page for further information.