Digital hub to throw open its doors to local community
Chance to discover opportunities for grassroots access
Katikati'snewregional digital hub in The Centre, Pa¯tuki Manawa, will be open next Thursday, December 3, for the local community to discovernew opportunities for grassroots digital access and small business potential.
The inaugural DigitalHubOpen Daywill be from3pmto6pmand everyone iswelcome to explore the opportunities that can be accessed by individuals, local businesses and community groups.
The Western Bay of Plenty District Council has been developing the subregion's first digital hub with the first instalment of a $400,000 grant it received earlier this year from the Provincial Growth Fund's (PGF) digital connectivity funding package.
The council's Customer Service and Governance manager, Barbara Whitton, says it's a great day for the sub-region and is the first step in council's aim to improve digital literacy and increase access across all its communities.
“This digital hub offers 24/7 secure digital access for businesses and selfemployed people, offering free Wi-Fi, co-working spaces and space to present digital products and services. Early in thenewyear there will be a focus on developing services that will aim to increase community entrepreneurial and digital capabilities and skills,” says Barbara.
“Digital connectivity is something manyof us take for granted, yet there is stillsome limited ability to access the internet or the tools to use it in our communities.
“This digital hub aims to connect the community using digital technologies, shared space, hotdesking, video conferencing and meeting spaces. It's a tech-space for business, freelancers and community tocometogether.”
Onthe day there will be free demonstrations and experts on site to introduce people to the opportunities available.
The DigitalHubwill provide a professional environment for people wanting to participate and collaborate within their community, start businesses or explore business ideas.
Central government's digital connectivity fund of $21 million is to
improve community technology skills and give easier access to digital resources across several regions in NewZealand.
Katikatiwas one of five regions to receive Provincial GrowthFund funding for a digital hub. Each receives $400,000 over a five-year period. The other regions are Gisborne, Levin, Woodville and Murupara. There arenow13 regions nationwide with digital hubs.