An update on what’s happening in the DECA world. Much of this happens behind the scenes, some initiatives take weeks or months to get off the ground and we are conscious we are often heads down doing the mahi and forget to share.

If you've ever looked at an internet provider's website and wondered what any of it means, this is for you. First, what broadband is and the different ways it gets to your home. Then plans, what the numbers mean and how to pay for only what you'll actually use.

The Brainbox Institute spent much of the past year bringing together people with experience and expertise in a range of areas, including data scientists, people in and working with the telecommunications sector, and community leaders, to work through what internet resilience actually means for Aotearoa, and what it would take to build it. DECA's Kaupapa Lead Bronwyn Scott was part of that network.

The Minister’s proposed changes are a direct hit on efforts to build digital equity in Aotearoa

The government is funding telehealth booths as a solution to healthcare access, but without the skills or support people need to use them, will they reach the people they were designed for?

The communities least likely to be online are often the same ones watching their last bank branch close. Dr Pushpa Wood ONZM on cash access, digital exclusion and who bears the cost of going digital.

We reached out to ministers, shared our research and asked a few hard questions. This is what we found and why DECA will be in the room tomorrow when the government talks about its digital future.

From the 3G Community Impact Report to a nationwide communications campaign, we reflect on a year of listening and learning, and share our ask for the final push before Aotearoa's 3G network closes on 31 March.

Digital Health Week NZ 2025 had plenty of people saying the right things. The harder question is whether those words are shaping decisions, or just filling the equity session.

Connection and digital equity took centre stage, as MPs debated loneliness and quality of life for ageing New Zealanders.

We see a lot ‘from the library floor’, the most prevalent community space that encourages connection, doesn’t require money, and is welcoming to all.

What rural NZ second-hand mobile phone behaviour says about digital equity in 2025. Spoiler Alert: it’s not what economists think.

Selected readings that highlight the evidence government needs to shape effective digital inclusion policy in 2026.

Help us advocate to make the Census fair and inclusive in Aotearoa, reflecting all communities and capturing the realities of digital access.

Both the Consumer NZ and Commerce Commission’s 2025 mobile review and NZ Compare’s broadband research point to the same issue: a lack of transparency.

This work highlights the strong connection between wellbeing and digital equity in Aotearoa. The same conditions that help families flourish offline, including safety, belonging, confidence and opportunity, also shape how people connect, participate and thrive in our digital world.

Digital Inequality: Studies in Cultural Communication gathers researchers from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Pacific to explore how communities experience digital life in their own social and cultural settings.

In this inspiring talk, Ekant from the University of Canterbury explores how technology shapes who we are and why equitable, ethical and accessible tech matters for every community.

The New Zealand government has made its priorities clear: we are betting big on artificial intelligence. However, without equal investment in digital access and skills, the government’s AI ambitions risk creating a two-tier digital nation.

The UK has developed a Minimum Digital Living Standard, this blog explains the standard and why might consider adopting the same here in Aotearoa NZ.