Free community Wi-Fi bridges the digital divide

Award-winning programme, Nothing but Net, has successfully launched fast and free community Wi-Fi in towns across the Far North.

The Nothing but Net programme began in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown exposed a ‘digital divide’ across Northland. The programme aims to bridge that divide by improving digital connectivity and infrastructure, increasing internet speeds, and supporting digital education. It was built in collaboration with Far North communities and funded by the Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF) with investment from the council.

The goal of the programme is simple: If you have connectivity — and the skills to use it — you can work from anywhere, anytime. You can take a course, upskill, or earn a degree. You can take part in a remote consultation with a health professional or keep in touch with whanau — wherever they might be. Extending internet access can help change economies and societies.

The first phase of the programme has delivered free public Wi-Fi to Paihia, Russell, Kerikeri Airport, Awanui, Ōpononi, and Rāwene. More locations will be rolled out soon. CCTV for safer communities, Smart Lighting, and Smart Bins have also been funded through this project. The programme includes supporting online training and education and increasing fibre internet connections to improve the reach, affordability, and quality of internet in the Far North.

From stakeholder engagement through to planning the work programme, the council has worked hand in hand with communities and partners to ensure everyone is included in the digital transformation journey. The council’s Chief Digital Officer Tom Frost says that this community-centric approach allowed the needs of the community to be captured and considered for each step of the process.

“Eliminating the digital divide will take many hands, but we are all working together to ensure that everyone is empowered by digital technology, and no one is left behind,” he says.

To learn more about the free Wi-fi locations and how to connect, visit the project page.