Hokianga now on the free public Wi-Fi radar
The council’s Nothing-But-Net programme, which enables communities to connect to the internet by providing free public Wi-Fi, recently completed an extension into the Hokianga with hotspots now available at Ōpononi and Rāwene.
The award-winning programme has been running since 2021 and co-ordinates installation of high-speed fibre (by Chorus) along with Wi-Fi access points, allowing anyone to connect to the internet wirelessly. Internet users can access one of the free-Wi-Fi-spots, by selecting the ‘FNDC Community Wi-Fi’ option in their phone’s network settings when they are in close range of the service. No password is required.
In the months ahead, the programme will continue to extend Wi-Fi access to Far North residents and visitors with plans to create community ‘hubs’ at marae, town squares, along cycle trails, and at health centres.
Enabling Far North communities to better access free online services makes practical tasks like paying bills, accessing bank accounts, and connecting with friends easier. It also opens up education and job opportunities and is a useful health and safety tool for those enjoying adventure activities in remote areas.
The next places and spaces to benefit from the council-run Nothing But Net programme will include:
- Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail at Hōreke
- Two marae, a papakāinga, and a museum at Panguru and Motutī
- Hokianga Health clinics
- Taipā
- Kaitāia Market Square, the new Kaitāia town square, and the development at the old warehouse building
- Kerikeri Kororipo Basin, including the historic Stone Store area
- Ōkiato Vehicle Ferry Terminal, for users of the Ōpua to Russell vehicle ferry
- and Waitangi Wharf, a key access point for cruise ship passengers entering New Zealand.
The Nothing But Net programme has already made free Wi-Fi available in Paihia, Russell, Kerikeri Airport and Awanui. For location maps and more details, visit our website.
The $350,000 programme in mostly funded by the government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund, with the Far North District Council also contributing financially, including dedicating staff to run the programme.
Below - look for the 'FNDC Community Wi-Fi - NBN' network to connect to the internet using the publicly available Wi-Fi.
