Shining a Light on: Lee Timutimu’s Social ISP Project

We know meaningful digital access is not a reality for a large portion of people in Aotearoa New Zealand. This was made blatantly clear in the findings of the Report into Affordable Connectivity released earlier this year.

Enter Lee Timutimu and his groundbreaking Social ISP (Internet Service Provider) project, an initiative designed to bridge this gap and empower communities across Aotearoa. Lee has long been dedicated to uplifting his people through technology and storytelling and this project is an extension of his commitment to community.

Unlike conventional ISPs, Lee’s Social ISP initiative is driven by a kaupapa Māori framework, reflecting the values of whanaungatanga (relationships) and manaakitanga (care). The Social ISP project reminds us that connectivity is about people, not just technology. By focusing on community-driven solutions, it offers a blueprint for how we can bridge the digital divide while honouring the trust of communities we are working within.

In our first instalment of the Shining a Light series, Lee sat down with DECA Ngā Kaiurungi | Co-Chair, Victoria MacLennan to learn more about the Social ISP project.

To find out more about the Social ISP - Check out Lee’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lee.timutimu