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Horowhenua’s Muaūpoko Tribal Authority and its partner FinCap are warning the shift to digital-only interfaces by many central and local government agencies is excluding many people from essential services.
Muaūpoko chief executive Di Rump says they have heard numerous stories of digital exclusion from whānau and kaumatua.
Whānau, frontline workers and financial mentors are often called on to help people out fill out online forms and access online tools so essential tasks such as renewing passports, registering dogs and accessing banking services can be completed.
She says everyone in Aotearoa should have access to essential services without incurring unfair costs or putting in a ridiculous amount of time.
FinCap policy advisor Janeka Rutherford-Busck wants to see changes to the digital-first approach of many organisations, alongside sustainable funding for support in communities so that financial mentors, Citizens Advice Bureau workers and others can help fill the digital gap.
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