A digital boost for families

Over 1,500 families from throughout NZ will benefit from a government grant to the Computers in Homes programme.

The grant of over $3 million is part of the latest round of the Community Partnership Fund, announced recently by ministers Turia and Joyce, and will enable Computers in Homes to work with regional partners to help schools provide computers, internet access and computer training to digitally disconnected families in the Far North, Whangarei, Hamilton, Ngati Porou East Coast, Gisborne, Wairoa, South Taranaki, Wanganui, Porirua and Grey/Buller regions.

The government’s Community Partnership Fund (CPF) focuses on connecting communities and building the confidence of people in using Information and Communications Technology (ICT), providing up to 50 per cent funding for innovative digital initiatives. The balance of funding comes from business and local community partners.

“Digital literacy and smart, connected communities are critical to NZ’s future and reducing the ‘digital divide’ is key,” said Laurence Zwimpfer of the 2020 Communications Trust, which coordinates the Computers in Homes programme nationally.

“This funding is a real win for families in some of the most digitally disconnected areas of the country and provides access to technology they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford.”
Communications and information technology minister Steven Joyce has also indicated his support for the Computers in Homes programme at a recent commerce select committee meeting, as reported.¹

“Mr Joyce also promised the government would step up efforts to ensure the 25 per cent to 30 per cent of NZers who do not use the Internet could bridge the ‘digital divide’,” said Mr Zwimpfer.

“He hinted money might be made available in next year’s Budget for schemes such as Computers in Homes, run by the 2020 Communications Trust, which provide refurbished computers to disadvantaged communities.¹

“While we are delighted with this CPF funding we recognise there are still around 100,000 NZ families with school-aged children who don’t have a computer at home. Mr Joyce’s comment gives us hope that the remaining families won’t miss out.”

Note: ¹ “Joyce sticks to the script”, The Dominion Post, 29.06.2009.