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We often get asked why we do all we do. To others it doesn't link together. Here is the how and the why:
We often get asked why we do all we do. To others it doesn't link together. Here is the how and the why:
Our Focus
Our Focus
Behind all the programmes we run is our over arching goal of Digital inclusion and equity for all. Making everyday technology use available to all. Be it the skills to use devices, a place to go within communities to get digital support, experience and skills development for those trying to get into digital careers.
Behind all the programmes we run is our over arching goal of Digital inclusion and equity for all. Making everyday technology use available to all. Be it the skills to use devices, a place to go within communities to get digital support, experience and skills development for those trying to get into digital careers.
The biggest barrier our communities have though is the cost of technology
The biggest barrier our communities have though is the cost of technology
The cost to BUY,
The cost to BUY,
The cost to MAINTAIN,
The cost to MAINTAIN,
The cost to FIX
The cost to FIX
DIGI-WASTE
DIGI-WASTE
By collecting organisations digital e-waste (digi-waste), devices that still have plenty of life left in them, we can lower or even remove this barrier.
By collecting organisations digital e-waste (digi-waste), devices that still have plenty of life left in them, we can lower or even remove this barrier.
We started this in a small way from the time we started Com2Tech. Initially getting technology donations from where we could and then joining up with the Otago Polytech to help them re-purpose more of their digital e-waste more effectively.
We started this in a small way from the time we started Com2Tech. Initially getting technology donations from where we could and then joining up with the Otago Polytech to help them re-purpose more of their digital e-waste more effectively.
Last year we leased a workshop space at 105 Harrow street and started putting up shelves. We then connected with the Garreth, who runs the University of Otago E-waste recovery... and then our shelves were filled as fast as they were put up.
Last year we leased a workshop space at 105 Harrow street and started putting up shelves. We then connected with the Garreth, who runs the University of Otago E-waste recovery... and then our shelves were filled as fast as they were put up.
Since July 2024
Since July 2024
And have donated approx.
And have donated approx.
9072kg
9072kg
$72659
$72659
as at (29/04/25)
as at (29/04/25)
of e-waste from Landfill
of e-waste from Landfill
worth of devices to our community organisations and groups, schools, training facilities and families in need.
worth of devices to our community organisations and groups, schools, training facilities and families in need.
Since then we have been slowly connecting with more and more organisations to collect their e-waste.
Since then we have been slowly connecting with more and more organisations to collect their e-waste.
We collect digi-waste at community events and are setting up collections at many community centres and Libraries that we work in. We also support these spaces with devices and distribute free devices to families and community members that need them.
We collect digi-waste at community events and are setting up collections at many community centres and Libraries that we work in. We also support these spaces with devices and distribute free devices to families and community members that need them.
We have also connected with Waitaki Boys High in Oamaru and a supporter of the Home schoolers of Southland based in Invercargill. We pack up a trailer or Carload of devices from our collections and deliver devices for them to setup and disperse to their communities in need.
We have also connected with Waitaki Boys High in Oamaru and a supporter of the Home schoolers of Southland based in Invercargill. We pack up a trailer or Carload of devices from our collections and deliver devices for them to setup and disperse to their communities in need.
Sustainability
Sustainability
We wish to support our Communities in a sustainable way.
We wish to support our Communities in a sustainable way.
Both as a Sustainable organisation and to support and develop a sustainable ecosystem for Digital e-waste in Dunedin.
Both as a Sustainable organisation and to support and develop a sustainable ecosystem for Digital e-waste in Dunedin.
Organisational Sustainability
Organisational Sustainability
As a non-profit that generally runs free services for our youth and communities, we have been reliant on community funding and Grants. In the last year due to government budget cuts and a higher need for community funding and grants, we have lost a huge chunk of our funding. We have also been asked by funders why we are not selling our technology.
As a non-profit that generally runs free services for our youth and communities, we have been reliant on community funding and Grants. In the last year due to government budget cuts and a higher need for community funding and grants, we have lost a huge chunk of our funding. We have also been asked by funders why we are not selling our technology.
We have taken that onboard, and now sell some incoming e-waste that is not needed by our community programmes and we ask a koha for items from those who can afford to support us in this way.
We have taken that onboard, and now sell some incoming e-waste that is not needed by our community programmes and we ask a koha for items from those who can afford to support us in this way.
Our organisation is growing to support more communities. But we do not have enough funding to pay wages so we work with other organisations to provide volunteer IT experience opportunities to training in IT and jobseekers.
Our organisation is growing to support more communities. But we do not have enough funding to pay wages so we work with other organisations to provide volunteer IT experience opportunities to training in IT and jobseekers.
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