Digital Boost for Ngati Porou Families

Digital boost for Ngati Porou families

Over 130 families from Ngati Porou will benefit from a Government grant to the Computers in Homes programme.

The grant, which is part of the latest round of the Community Partnership Fund (CPF), was announced by Ministers Turia and Joyce on 8 July, and enables the Computers in Homes programme to reach more Ngati Porou families. Computers in Homes helps local schools provide computers, internet access and computer training to families with school-aged children but without access to a computer and the Internet in their homes. The latest government grant, which totals over $3 million, will support over 1,500 families from 10 different regions throughout the country. The CPF provides up to 50% funding for innovative digital initiatives, with the balance coming from business and local community partners.

The Government’s Community Partnership Fund focuses on connecting communities and building the confidence of people in the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

“This is a real coup for Ngati Porou to be able to expand the programme,” said Computers in Homes local coordinator, Leeanne Morice. “We estimate that there are 200 families in our community with school-aged children who do not have access to a computer and Internet in their homes. It is so exciting to have the opportunity to help close the digital gap for these families.”

Communications and Information Technology Minister Steven Joyce has also indicated his support for the Computers in Homes programme at a recent commerce select committee meeting, as reported, “Mr Joyce also promised the Government would step up efforts to ensure the 25 per cent to 30 per cent of New Zealanders who do not use the Internet could bridge the “digital divide”. He hinted money might be made available in next year’s Budget for schemes such as Computers in Homes, run by the 2020 Communications Trust, which provide refurbished computers to disadvantaged communities.”

“While we are delighted with this CPF funding for Ngati Porou and other regions across the country we recognise there are still around 100,000 New Zealand families with school-aged children who don’t have a computer at home. Minister Joyce’s comment gives us hope that the remaining families won’t miss out,” said Laurence Zwimpfer of the 2020 Communications Trust, which coordinates the Computers in Homes programme nationally.