Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) welcomes the Infrastructure Commission’s endorsement of Chorus’ proposal to extend the fibre network from 87% to 95% of New Zealand.

“The endorsement of this proposal as an infrastructure priority is a big boost in addressing the long-standing digital divide faced by rural communities,” says RWNZ National President Sandra Matthews.

“Reliable and high-speed internet is essential to the success of rural businesses, the delivery of rural healthcare and education, and the overall wellbeing of our more isolated communities.”

The proposed expansion would bring fibre to an additional 160,000 addresses, many of which are in regional and rural New Zealand.

“As technologies change and new opportunities arise through digital connectivity, we must make sure our rural communities are well-placed to benefit from that,” says Matthews. “It is therefore critical that government moves swiftly to provide backing to this proposal.”

“RWNZ strongly supports initiatives to improve digital connectivity and capability across rural New Zealand and urges the Government to prioritise this as a means to support our rural communities and help them fully realise their economic potential.”

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