Spreading the net to marae
Te Puni Ko¯kiri says it is proud to be a partner in the Marae Connectivity project, which will see selected rural marae (including two in Northland, Oro¯mahoe and Dargaville’s Te Houhanga) connected to the internet by the end of the year.
A $20 million investment by the Provincial Growth Fund would see an increase in digital connectivity in rural communities for both civic hubs and marae, Te Puni Ko¯kiri acting chief executive Di Grennell said, while Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIP) was is investing $1 million in ultra-fast broadband, which together would extend the reach and quality of infrastructure in rural areas.
Marae Connectivity was a crossagency project between CIP, the PGF, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and Te Puni Ko¯kiri, “a great example of collaboration when agencies combine to support and progress wha¯nau, hapu¯ and iwi development.”
Te Puni Ko¯kiri had led the engagement process with participating marae through its regional partnerships with wha¯nau, hapu¯ and iwi.
“By connecting up some of the most isolated communities we are helping ensure more Ma¯ori can fully participate in this modern digital era,” she added.