First digital hub for Kaitaia

Northland is to receive New Zealand’s first three Regional Digital Hubs (RDHs), designed to enable people to connect for business and accelerate economic development.

The others are likely to be in Kaikohe and Dargaville according to Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones.

“The RDHs will be a gamechanger for the region once they are set up and running by the end of this year,” he said.

“They will allow people to connect for business development and support, and offer services such as free Wi-Fi connectivity, co-working spaces and guidance on use of the internet for business and skills development purposes.”

Northland was also growing its digital footprint with two marae recently going live as part of the PGF marae connectivity package. Oromahoe and Te Houhanga were the first marae in Northland to be connected under the package. Work was also being funded to progress connectivity at Nga¯i Tupoto, Nga¯ti Manawa and Te Uri o Hina marae, with 11 more in the queue.

“Connecting marae will help communities seize business and education opportunities, as well as help wha¯nau stay in touch and Ma¯ori to connect with their iwi,” Mr Jones added.

“Funding for these initiatives comes from the PGF local digital connectivity funding package of $21 million, which helps connect marae to the internet and establish Regional Digital Hubs in regional towns to enable local businesses to access digital services to get online.

“Improving digital connectivity was flagged as a key area of investment for the PGF, as it is a catalyst for economic development and wellbeing, lifts productivity, and supports the other investments the government is making in the regions through the Provincial Growth Fund.

“We know that improving digital infrastructure improves people’s lives.”