Opening up Coast connectivity

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: From left, Tairawhiti Technology Trust executive Officer Polly Crawford, chairperson Carolyn Carpendale and treasurer Maurice Alford. Picture by Paul Rickard

New research shows many Kiwis are going without an internet connection despite the 21st century's reliance on it for everyday life. Reporter Jack Marshall spoke to local MP Kiri Allan, TaiTech trustee Polly Crawford and Tolaga Bay Inn trustee Lily Stender about the work being done to combat digital exclusion on the East Cape.

From wifi-connected baby monitors to farms irrigated via satellite GPS, it is difficult to name a part of our lives not caught in the worldwide web.

It is this modern-day reliance on internet access which makes the new report by economic and public policy research institute Motu all the more striking. Many Kiwis are going without an internet connection, with the numbers especially worrying for the East Cape.

Utilising data from four large surveys, the research identified several groups prone to low levels of internet access compared with the rest of the population.

Gisborne's population is about 50 percent Maori, with a growing number of over 75-year-olds, and as of June last year, 2199 unemployed individuals in the area were on job seeker support. In the report all these groups showed low levels of internet access, with the worst off being the disabled and those in social housing.

In one survey, internet access for the general population was 91 percent, but that number dropped to just 69 percent for those living in social housing, with a similar percentage for people with a disability.

The report notes that an internet connection is a determiner of social outcomes, such as voter participation.

Programmes like the Marae Digital Connectivity programme and the Rural Broadband Initiative are in place to improve connectivity, but the Motu research paper recommends the Government extends and enhances these.

“It is quite possible that these large gaps in internet access for those who live in social housing and for people with disabilities could be addressed by changes in policy,” said lead research author Dr Arthur Grimes.

Because social housing is often owned and allocated by the state, local authorities or non-government organisations, the report suggests treating an internet connection with the same importance as a basic utility, like water or electricity.

East Coast electorate-based Labour MP Kiri Allan agrees with the report's findings.

“The internet is fundamental if you have kids learning at schools, as much of their project-based work is accessed via the internet.

“It's such an important part of our daily lives in the 21st century.”

Ms Allan said things were being done through the Provincial Growth Fund and the Ministry of Social Development with projects like the digital hub in Tolaga Bay.

Across the country, 38,000 new homes and businesses in rural areas now had access to broadband, she said.

But with internet access as low as 69 percent for those in social housing, Ms Allan admitted there was still a lot more work to do.

One reason for low connectivity among older people is simply because some do not know how to use technology.

It is this lack of know-how which contributes to a lower uptake of internet use with older people, as they do not connect to an internet they cannot use.

A group working to troubleshoot the problem in the Gisborne community is TaiTech in Kaiti Hub.

The organisation runs beginner courses for computers which cater to older students who have little or no experience with computers.

In July 2019 TaiTech added classes on cell phones, as their research showed an immediate need in this area.

TaiTech trustee Polly Crawford said kaumatua recognised that the future lay in people's ability to use computers and smartphones, but many did not have basic skills.

Ms Crawford said their students love to learn but they were often a bit hesitant to begin with.

“A lot of them don't even know how to turn their phones on and off properly.”

Many students did not know how to text or send pictures, so TaiTech developed classes about taking photos and sending them to each other.

In this way they could have a practical lesson while making it fun.

Ms Crawford said the classes were necessary as her students were often not taught by their families.

At home, if they had a problem with their phones most students said they asked their grandchildren to teach them, but the young ones would get frustrated.

Many of her older students do not own smartphones.

Ms Crawford said a lot of people had trouble using a mouse and keyboard for the first time, but as they get to know each other they laugh together and enjoy some light-hearted teasing.

TaiTech offers a “taster course”with the basics covered for new users, including how to turn a computer on and off, and advancing to simple searches. Students are introduced to Google and learn how to search for, for example, recipes.

Some start with the taster course, others begin with keyboard training, so they feel confident before diving into full computer use.

“We're trying to tailor courses to individual skills and abilities.”

As a registered provider of Spark Jump, TaiTech can offer and issue cheap internet plans for low-usage users.

Ms Crawford said a lot of older people were not connected to the internet because they did not see the value for money, especially when their only income was superannuation.

“Connecting to the internet can be a huge thing but they don't want to pay $90 a month.”

Uawa/Tolaga Bay is one area that has benefited from aid to internet access.

With support from the Provincial Growth Fund and the Ministry of Social Development, the local inn now operates as a space for locals to connect online and together.

Tolaga Bay Inn trustee Lily Stender said the sentiment of self-reliance and education sat behind the work done at the aptly named “Innovation Hub”.

The community can use computers, learn specific courses and upskill themselves through online programmes. One of their international connections, idea.org even sent them a 3D printer which they have been playing around with.

Still learning, they are looking for someone to pass on their technical knowledge of the equipment so they can create their own Uawa products.

“It's about growing grassroots innovation in our homeland, trying to create an income from our homeland.”

Every week there are training days where the public can register for the business and mentor programme, or join the Code Club run by Huiterangi Digitech, where students learn the basics of writing software.

At the business programme, participants have access to the internet where they can set up business accounts and a mentor will help develop milestones for their start-up.

During Code Club, students learn digital technology and chess to give rangatahi (youth) the skills that the future of work demands.

“We sent two groups of girls from Uawa/Tolaga to the Global Innovation Challenge in Gisborne last year.

“That's young girls solving community problems, whether that be poverty or waste, via technology.

“We have to empower ourselves. We have to learn the skills of the new world so our kids can get jobs in that new world.”