No Tech Day | Friday 22 August 2025

Does your business rely on technology to thrive?
So do your customers

On Friday 22 August, No Tech Day 2025 is calling on individuals, workplaces and communities across Aotearoa to take part in the 2-Hour Challenge. It’s a chance to step away from digital devices and reflect on the everyday reality for those who are digitally excluded.

Despite advances in infrastructure, digital equity in Aotearoa remains a major challenge. Around 400,000 households - roughly 1 in 5 - lack meaningful digital access. This includes broadband connectivity, suitable devices and the affordability to stay connected.

“Awareness is the first step but it means nothing without action. No Tech Day is a call to action: raise your voice and fund the frontline.” - Bronwyn Scott, Kaupapa Lead, Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa (DECA).

Digital Access: No longer a luxury

Internet access today is like running water, a fundamental utility that underpins everyday life. Digital equity means more than just having internet coverage however; it means people can afford connection, have the skills and support to use technology confidently and trust the systems they interact with online.

But the digital divide is deep. In some regions, as many as 30% of households lack a fixed broadband connection. Affordability is a key barrier, not just for broadband packages but the components of digital life, like routers, laptops and smartphones.

On average, rural households pay 29% more than urban ones for broadband and income inequality plays a major role.

Groups most affected by digital exclusion include:

• Māori and Pacific communities
• Rural and remote whānau
• Low-income and multigenerational households
• People with disabilities and older adults

Investing in digital equity isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s smart economics.

Research commissioned by the Ministry of Education shows a conservative return of $3.10 to $3.60 for every government dollar invested in digital inclusion efforts.

Why No Tech Day?

No Tech Day 2025 is a national call to action powered by the Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa (DECA). Together, we can highlight the barriers that still exclude too many people and imagine a future where everyone — if they choose to — can connect, learn and thrive.

DECA is asking people to recognise their digital privilege and take steps to close the gap. While many of us take digital access for granted, tens of thousands of whānau in Aotearoa can’t participate in our economy, democracy or society in the same way.

“It’s not about making money or losing it, we all have a role to play in delivering digital equity and ensuring every New Zealander has the opportunity to connect and thrive.” - Mark Aue, CEO Chorus, at the Connecting Aotearoa Summit 2025.

How to Get Involved

1. Register for a No Tech Day Pack
2. Get posters, challenge ideas, factsheets and more to run internal sessions and start conversations at www.notechday.nz
3. Take the 2 Hour Challenge

On Friday 22 August, step away from your tech for just two hours and get a glimpse of what life is like without digital access. Could you check your bank balance, apply for a job, access healthcare, top up your phone or even get to a new place without a device? For too many in Aotearoa, this isn’t a challenge, it’s everyday life.

Everyone deserves the chance to connect, learn, work and thrive in our digital world. By taking the challenge, you're helping raise awareness to build a future where no one is left behind.

Donate

Help fund access to devices, affordable internet and digital skills so everyone in Aotearoa can connect and thrive.

Even small donations make a big impact:

$5 = Biscuits for a kaumātua digital skills session

$39 = A basic 4G phone

$146 = A refurbished laptop for a Year 9 student

$600 = A year of broadband for a disconnected household

All donations go through DECA to trusted community organisations doing the mahi. Donate at www.notechday.nz

Spread the Word and Advocate

Share your challenge online with #NoTechDayNZ, tag DECA and No Tech Day, and let others know why digital equity matters to your organisation. Meeting a decision-maker? Let them know digital inclusion is critical to your customers, community and workforce.

The Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa (DECA) is a national network of organisations, advocates and community leaders working to close the digital divide in Aotearoa. DECA champions digital equity through collaboration, policy advocacy, and practical support to ensure everyone, regardless of income, location or background, can access the internet, devices and the skills to use them safely and confidently.

© Scoop Media