Case study: Marae Digital Connectivity
In partnership with Crown Infrastructure Partners, Te Puni Kōkiri and Kānoa, the Marae Digital Connectivity Programme is making significant progress to enable marae to receive grant-funded broadband connections and associated hardware.
The Marae Digital Connectivity programme supports whānau and hapū to undertake economic activity and enhance their digital capabilities. As of March 2022, of the 877 eligible marae, 563 are connected to broadband and 550 have hardware installed.
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Various broadband solutions were approved to give marae connectivity. Where UFB was available this was chosen. Mobile 4G and WISP wireless solutions have also been used to deliver marae connectivity.
Marae have reported extensive use of the connectivity including digital hui, digital kapa haka classes, hapū members using the marae as a ‘business hub’, tamariki doing digital homework and hapū members using the Wi-Fi for everyday activities such as online appointments, banking, shopping, school assessments and work activities.
An inspiring example of marae utilising newfound connectivity includes Tuatini Marae, which took on the students of Hatea-a-Rangi School in Tokomaru Bay after the school was damaged by heavy rain that hit the Tairāwhiti region in June 2021. The school’s 29 students participated in classes from the Tuatini Marae, highlighting a perfect example of the programme’s objective of enabling whānau and hapū to continue learning in their communities.