February 04, 2019
Marae go digital with PGF booster
Oromāhoe and Te Houhanga in Te Tai Tokerau and Raupunga Te Huki in Heretaunga will be the first marae to receive funding from the Provincial Growth Fund in a new scheme to increase digital connectivity.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today the Government will invest $21 million to improve digital services in the regions.
The package will connect marae to the internet and establish Regional Digital Hubs (RDHs) in towns enabling local people and businesses to access digital services.
It builds on $80 million in funding already announced from the Provincial Growth Fund including extension of the Rural Broadband Initiative and Mobile Blackspot Fund programmes, as well as projects to boost connectivity in Southland and the West Coast.
Regional Economic Minister Shane Jones says marae are meeting places for whānau, hapū and iwi, and are central to many rural communities.
Improving connectivity will support communities to undertake economic activity and enhance their capability.
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