Netsafe was founded in 1998 with the lofty goal to help New Zealand internet users stay safe online.
It was well before smartphones were smart, or media had learned to be social but it was clear new technologies were connecting New Zealand internet users to new opportunities and challenges.
After noticing the growing influence of technology in their respective areas, the New Zealand Police, Ministry of Education and several not for profits teamed up with telcos and IT industry partners to create an independent body focussed on online safety.