May 20, 2020
More money for marae internet access
An extra $1.4 million has been added to the Marae Connectivity Programme to allow it to help urban marae boost their internet access.
Since February 2019 the Provincial Growth Fund has spent $21 million connecting 123 marae in rural areas and provincial towns.
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says better digital connectivity through urban marae will not only help friends and whānau stay connected, but supports iwi to play a stronger role in their economic recovery.
Communications Minister Kris Faafoi said the country’s response to COVID-19 had highlighted the importance of having access to a reliable broadband connection.
As well as the connection, the programme provides hardware to set up wi-fi around the marae, as well as other equipment, training and technical support, and free broadband access for five years.
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