Internet access differs significantly across Auckland’s communities

Families in areas such as Manukau and Papkura have significantly less access to the internet than families on the North Shore or Rodney.

Figures obtained from Statistics New Zealand show that in Manukau City 40 per cent of families have no internet access at home, compared with just 13 per cent on the North Shore.

Computers in Homes (CIH) national coordinator Di Das says often families without computers live in communities with no library and poor access to amenities.

“It’s important for families with school-aged children to have internet access as it has become an essential tool for doing homework, projects and research,” she says.

CIH works with families in low-income communities and refugee families, providing them with a recycled computer, training and on-going support.

“Those of us with computers take the internet for granted,” she says.

“But for many people money is tight and a computer is seen as a luxury.”

Elaine MacDonald, an administrator and computer trainer within the refugee community in Auckland, says the internet is a great way for people from refugee backgrounds to be “hooked” into New Zealand society.

“Having the internet at home enables them to expand and reach out, correspond with people, both here and back home, and access as much information as they want,” she says.

“They can use it for everyday things, from something as simple as finding an address to enrolling their children into a new school.”

It’s estimated more than 100,000 New Zealand families with school-aged children do not have a computer or access to the internet at home.

While North Shore City families have the highest internet access, the area with the least is Opotiki with 59 per cent.