Reframing Our Approach to Digital Equity in Aotearoa New Zealand

Our coalition government has made it clear through both their language and actions that they are not prioritising the resolution of complex social issues as we had seen in recent years. Despite this shift, the challenges remain, particularly in the realm of digital equity, where the digital divide continues to result in lost opportunities and significant impacts for those who are digitally excluded.

Following our recent blog post about moving forward together, many of you have reached out to explore how we can achieve this goal. Through these rich and ongoing discussions, kōrero with government, philanthropy, and corporate stakeholders, it has become evident that our first priority must be to change the narrative. We need to shift from focusing on the impacts of the digital divide to emphasising the tangible outcomes that closing this divide will achieve. This means highlighting the real-world benefits, such as enhanced access to education, improved healthcare services, and greater economic opportunities for all, particularly in underserved communities.

Telehealth serves as a prime example of why this shift in focus is crucial. Currently, the West Coast of the South Island is experiencing a healthcare crisis, with Telehealth being touted as a key solution. However, this region is one of the most affected by the digital divide, with rural and remote communities struggling to access the technology needed for Telehealth to be effective. This crisis highlights the urgent need to address these digital challenges, not just to improve healthcare access but to ensure that all residents can fully participate in the digital age.

In these challenging economic times, it's critical to adopt a different approach to measuring success—one that goes beyond traditional financial metrics. Social economics offers a valuable framework that considers both economic and social outcomes, emphasising the broader societal benefits of closing the digital divide. By framing our objectives within this context, we can demonstrate to economically focused stakeholders that investing in digital equity is not just a moral imperative but a smart economic strategy. It’s about creating a more inclusive economy where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and benefit, leading to a more resilient and prosperous society overall.

I have however, heard from many of you about the frustrations with government departments and funders who are relying on impact assessment reports from a single company as part of their funding decision making processes. The DECA team is currently exploring alternative frameworks for impact reporting, looking for open transparent, cost effective and ideally self service solutions - we will share more on this later in the year.

In conclusion, this is a pivotal moment for us to take action. The DECA team will be working closely with communications specialists to craft messaging that we can all leverage. By aligning our voices and amplifying these soundbites, we can create a unified front to advocate for digital equity across Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Let's not just talk about the need for change—let's be the force that drives it. Join us in this collective effort, and together, we can ensure that our messaging resonates with those who have the power to make a difference.