Connecting rural Māori to the Internet

PĀNUI PĀPĀHO | MEDIA STATEMENT

Te 15 o Huitanguru 2019 | 15 February 2019

Te Puni Kōkiri is proud to be a partner in the Marae Connectivity project that will see selected rural marae connected to the internet by the end of this year.

$20m of Provincial Growth Fund investment will see an increase in digital connectivity in rural communities for both civic hubs and marae while CIP is investing $1m for ultra-fast broadband. These investments will extend the reach and quality of infrastructure in rural regions.

Marae Connectivity is a cross-agency project between Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIP), the Provincial Development Unit (PDU), the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment and Te Puni Kōkiri.

“This is a great example of collaboration when agencies combine to support and progress whānau, hapū and iwi development,” says Te Puni Kōkiri Acting Chief Executive Di Grennell.

Te Puni Kōkiri has led the engagement process with participating marae through its regional partnerships with whānau, hapū and iwi.

Three marae have been selected for the first phase of the Marae Connectivity project. They are Raupunga Te Huki Marae in Hawkes Bay, and Te Houhanga Marae and Orōmahoe Marae that are both in the Far North.

Over the next six months, more marae will join the Marae Connectivity project.

“By connecting up some of the most isolated communities we are helping ensure more Māori can fully participate in this modern digital era,” says Ms Grennell.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply

https://www.tpk.govt.nz/whakamahia/marae-digital-connectivity

ends

© Scoop Media