Support for Computers in Homes programme welcomed

The Māori Party is pleased to see the Government will continue to fund Computers in Homes this year which was initiated by the Māori Party in 2009.

The Government recently announced it will set aside $3.04 million in the coming financial year to support another 1500 low income families through the Computers in Homes programme.

“This programme creates multiple benefits for the whole whānau; you have whānau learning new skills together, becoming digitally literate and more connected to the world,” says Māori Party Co-leader Marama Fox.

“I’ve heard first-hand the positive impact this programme has had on families, particularly in rural communities like Whatūtū near Gisborne and Kaitāia in Northland,” she says.

Māori Party Co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell says the programme was under threat of not receiving funding but the Māori Party advocated strongly for Government support to continue.

“Māori can and should take a lead role in ensuring that future generations have access to digital content and supporting technologies. It’s important that whānau on low incomes don’t get left behind,” says Mr Flavell.

Computers in Home was initiated by Hon Dame Tariana Turia when she was the Community and Voluntary Sector Minister. The programme includes basic computer training, a computer in the home and access to the internet.

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