Small towns to get ultra-fast broadband

Kapiti’s small towns are getting a boost with the Government’s announcement that it will roll out more ultra-fast broadband.

Peka Peka, Te Horo and Otaihanga are some of the smaller Kapiti district towns that will benefit from the extension as well as towns in Horowhenua, including Waikawa Beach, Waitarere, Ohau and Manakau.

Otaki MP Nathan Guy said the rollout in Paraparaumu and Levin was very successful and it was great news to have it extended to people living in smaller areas.

‘‘Fast and reliable internet is becoming essential in the 21st century.’’

Being able to connect businesses with each other and the rest of the world would be a real boost to the region, Guy said.

‘‘Overall this is one of the biggest infrastructure projects ever undertaken in New Zealand with more than $2 billion to provide access to world-class broadband.’’

The rollout is part of the Government’s $270 million investment to complete the entire ultrafast broadband network by the end of 2022.

Horowhenua Economic Devel- opment Board member Antony Young said building and strengthening broadband capability across the district would widen economic prosperity, social wellbeing and drive educational equality.

Horowhenua’s population was growing so better broadband would enable businesses, including small enterprises to flourish, Young said.

In turn, this would attract more businesses, he said.

The Horowhenua Culture and Community Centre was an example of ultra-fast broadband enabling access to the internet for a range of groups including older people, socially-isolated people, youth and jobseekers, Young said.

The Government is also investing up to $140m to extend rural broadband coverage and to deliver mobile coverage to black spots on 1000 kilometres of rural highways and more than 100 tourist areas.

The Ruapehu district will also benefit from the latest rollout announcement.

Ruapehu Mayor Don Cameron said improved mobile and broadband services would mean better visitor experiences and the opportunity for rural communities and businesses to take full advantage of better connection