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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

It’s about meeting people where they are, not expecting them to adapt to whatever platform is easiest for us to deliver.

“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.”