Kia ora koutou

We hope this pānui finds you well and enjoying moments of connection and momentum in your mahi.

In March, we brought the wider DECA network together kanohi ki te kanohi to reconnect and refocus. The kōrero and energy shared affirmed that the heart of this work is on the front lines. This year, we’re putting more energy into sharing community stories, growing our network of Digital Navigators to provide on-the-ground support across the motu and investing in fresh research to deepen our understanding of the digital divide in Aotearoa. We're also doubling down on our advocacy, making sure decision-makers hear directly from the communities most impacted by digital exclusion. Thank you to all at the hui, we appreciate you.

In this pānui, we share our letter to Minister Brown that outlines serious concerns that the the Government’s new 24/7 digital health could further marginalise those without access to affordable internet, devices, or digital skills.

We also unpack the critical role of procurement in our latest blog post as our Government is consulting on new rules that will shape how billions of dollars are spent. And yet, the draft largely overlooks digital inclusion, community capability or workforce development. This is a missed opportunity.

On an uplifting note, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr Warren Williams, whose kōrero on digital inclusion and collaboration offer vital insight. You can listen to our full conversation below.

As always, thank you for your continued commitment to this kaupapa.

Ngā manaakitanga, The DECA Team

News, Tools and Further Reading

• What happens when you can't open a bank account? RNZ interview with Sacha Green - National Advisor with the Citizens Advice Bureau

• Iwi Partner for Māori Dementia Care Centre. This partnership will focus on improving health, housing, and digital access for Māori communities. Ngāti Hine leader Pita Tipene says the initiative aims to help Māori elders thrive, not just survive.

• The 3G network shutdown is coming—what does that mean for you? Dispelling the Myths with Paul Brislen

• Public Library Membership And Usage Is Surging! “New Zealand Public Libraries play a central role in fostering equality. Every public library in the country provides free internet access, ensuring digital inclusion across all communities.

• In addition to offering printing, scanning, and copying services, library staff are available to assist library users and support the development of digital skills.”

• Convening under the theme "Building Digital Governance Together", this year's Internet Governance Forum (IGF) will take place from 23 to 27 June in Norway.

• The Future of Jobs Report 2025. Learn how global trends like tech innovation and green transition will transform jobs, skills, and workforce strategies.

• Recently, Stats NZ released the findings from the 2023 Household Disability Survey (HDS). The HDS captures information about the prevalence of disability and the experiences of disabled people in Aotearoa New Zealand. The survey is one of the most comprehensive sources of disability data in the country. It finds that over half of disabled people (53 percent) lived in households where there was not enough or only just enough income to meet basic needs. This is in contrast with 33 percent of non-disabled people. ‘Basic needs’ includes things like food, clothing and housing.

• African Grandmothers As Network Weaving Social Technologies

• Microagression, tech bros, fewer promotions - women in tech still see many issues: survey

• Are you driving change, shaping innovation, or leading conversations in the digital health space? Digital Health Week NZ 2025 is calling for speakers from across the health sector — clinicians, researchers, data scientists, innovators, health service leaders, and beyond.