Five Point Action Plan 2020-2021

What: government support to make connectivity affordable and accessible for New Zealanders on low incomes and who have recently become unemployed. We need to think beyond the shorter term fixes generously offered by providers. Solutions might include subsidies, options that work for renters, and providing connectivity as standard in public housing.

Government Who: MBIE and MSD, with involvement from Kāinga Ora, should lead this work across government, and coordinate funding for organisations doing the work in the community.

Which organisations are currently 'doing the work in Dunedin communities'? Check out our Community Organisation Links

What: making devices available to low income New Zealanders at low (or no) cost. Efforts are underway to get devices (and connectivity) to school age children, but there are many New Zealanders in other age groups who can’t afford devices appropriate to their needs. Solutions might include bulk purchasing, grant funding (without unnecessary contestability), or support for existing refurbishment programmes. Accessibility barriers need to be addressed.

Government Who: MSD and the Government Chief Digital Office at the DIA should lead this work across government, and coordinate funding for organisations doing the work in the community.

Which organisations are currently 'doing the work in Dunedin communities'? Check out our Community Organisation Links

What: government funding for organisations providing support to get online and help with digital skills, motivation and trust. Many New Zealanders receiving connectivity and devices for the first time will need help getting connected and using these new digital tools. Options might include increased funding for organisations already active in the community to meet immediate demand, and a networked model to reach more people in the longer term.

Government Who: DIA should lead this work across government, and coordinate funding for organisations doing the work in the community.

Which organisations are currently 'doing the work in Dunedin communities'? Check out our Community Organisation Links

What: government funded digital skills training and other support to help people find new jobs and make our businesses (including NGOs) more sustainable and resilient. The economic impacts of COVID-19 will require a number of New Zealanders to look for new employment. Our businesses will be thinking more about opportunities in the online world. Options might include support packages to help businesses get online, and government funded skills training to support job seekers and provide new career options.

Government Who: MOE, TEC and MBIE should lead this work across government, and coordinate funding for organisations doing the work in the community. Economic development agencies should be involved on the business uptake side.

What organisations are currently 'doing the work in Dunedin communities'? Check out our Community Organisation Links

What: “Shovel ready” investment in our telecommunications infrastructure, to provide future resilience and create employment. Government and industry investments have produced assets that have proven to be immensely valuable in the COVID-19 crisis. But gaps in coverage and performance remain. Options include another phase of the fibre roll out, investment in mobile coverage in rural areas, subsidised satellite connectivity for the very hard to reach, and creative opportunities that respond to community needs.

Government Who: MBIE and CIP should lead this work across government, and coordinate funding for organisations doing the work in the community.

Which organisations are currently 'doing the work in Dunedin communities'? Check out our Community Organisation Links