Vivien Maidaborn | Ipurangi Aotearoa: Strengthening Digital Access and Connection Across New Zealand

Dale Husband Vivien Maidaborn | Internet NZ Chief Executive

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Ipurangi Aotearoa, the organisation dedicated to ensuring equitable digital access for all communities across Aotearoa New Zealand, is rapidly becoming a key player in the national effort to bridge the digital divide. Its mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every person-regardless of income, geography, culture, or age-has the tools, skills, and connectivity needed to thrive in a modern digital world.

Closing the Digital Divide

Digital inequality continues to affect many New Zealanders, with low-income households, Māori and Pasifika whānau, rural communities, and older people among the most impacted. Ipurangi Aotearoa works to address these challenges through a range of initiatives focused on:

• Affordable and reliable internet access

• Digital literacy training for communities and organisations

• Support for whānau navigating online services, including government portals

• Cyber-safety education

• Community partnerships that tailor digital support to local needs

By taking a whānau-centred, culturally grounded approach, the organisation aims not only to connect people to the internet but to ensure they can use it confidently and safely.

Ipurangi Aotearoa’s mahi is shaped by the principles of manaakitanga, kotahitanga, and equitable access. Its programmes recognise that digital connection is now essential for participating fully in society-whether applying for jobs, accessing education, engaging with healthcare, or staying connected with whānau.

For Māori communities in particular, digital inclusion is tied to broader aspirations of rangatiratanga and participation in a fast-evolving digital landscape. Ipurangi Aotearoa works alongside iwi, hapū and community providers to build skills, encourage innovation, and support digital sovereignty.

As government, business, and education increasingly shift online, the need for comprehensive digital inclusion has never been greater. Many essential services-from banking to medical appointments-now require internet access and digital literacy. Without support, thousands risk being left behind.

Ipurangi Aotearoa’s programmes help remove those barriers by:

• Providing devices and connectivity solutions

• Delivering hands-on digital skills workshops

• Training community facilitators

• Advocating at the national level for inclusive digital policy

• Encouraging digital creativity, storytelling, and te ao Māori digital initiatives

A key strength of Ipurangi Aotearoa is its collaborative model. The organisation works closely with:

• Iwi and Māori community organisations

• Pasifika providers

• Libraries and local councils

• Schools and education groups

• Tech companies and funders

• Government digital inclusion teams

Through these partnerships, the organisation can respond to local needs with flexible, community-led solutions rather than one-size-fits-all programmes.

As Aotearoa continues to advance technologically, digital inclusion has become a fundamental human rights issue. Ipurangi Aotearoa’s work signals a commitment to ensuring no one is left out of the nation’s digital transformation.

By empowering whānau with skills, confidence and access, the organisation is helping build a more resilient, connected, and equitable society-one where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, can participate fully and flourish in the digital age.

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