Last week the NZ government confirmed its new Road User Charges (RUC) system, replacing the petrol tax and set out a solution which appears to be digital-only, electronic road user charges. For many New Zealanders, this raises the whole question on digital equality and access for government services again.

Digital Poverty - a commonly used term in Australia, not mana enhancing or aspirational so does it fit well here in Aotearoa NZ?

For some, unplugging is a mindful choice. But for too many in Aotearoa, disconnection isn’t a lifestyle, it’s daily reality.

“Some people won't be able to communicate. Most of my mates don’t have credit. Like, sometimes we only have Wi-Fi. Like the free Wi-Fi at school or in town.”

The government’s new 24/7 digital health service promises better access to healthcare but only for those who can get online. For the New Zealanders without affordable internet, digital skills or the right devices, this could prove a barrier to essential care.

Switching off 3G will widen the digital divide, it’s time to ask the government and telco’s to step up and help those who will be most impacted

How can we attract digital nomads while ignoring the widening digital divide at home?

Insights from 2 days with 40 Social Impact Charities - a powerful ecosystem facing mounting challenges.

The Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa (DECA) is urging the New Zealand Government to establish a Digital Equity payment to ensure internet access for low-income families. Revealed in DECA's Affordable Connectivity in Aotearoa report today, 58,000 families in Aotearoa currently are without internet connectivity. This initiative would directly address their critical needs.