The Government has announced it will invest $21 million to ensure marae and communities in the regions have access to modern and reliable digital services.
The funding package announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today will connect marae to the internet and establish Regional Digital Hubs (RDHs) in towns, enabling local people and businesses access to the digital services.
The RDHs will offer free WiFi connectivity, co-working spaces and guidance on use of the internet for business purposes. The first RDHs will open in Northland.
This adds to the $80 million in funding already announced from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF), which includes projects to boost connectivity in Southland and on the West Coast.
“Digital connectivity is a key enabler for regional economic development," Ms Ardern said in a statement. "However, it’s clear that many rural communities are lagging behind in terms of access to internet and digital services.
“In remote communities there are not always locations where local business people can access the internet or where local and visiting business people can come together or where tourists can access the internet. All New Zealanders should be able to have that access and the knowledge of how to use it regardless of where they live.”
Regional Economic Minister Shane Jones says while many of us take digital services for granted, the reality for people based in the regions is that these services are not universally available.
“The PGF funding for boosting marae connectivity will include physically connecting marae to broadband networks and providing technical support and training."
Mr Jones says the first marae to receive PGF funding for digital connectivity are Oromahoe (Te Tai Tokerau), Te Houhanga (Te Tai Tokerau) and Raupunga Te Huki (Heretaunga).
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