New Zealand's Flagship Connectivity Summit Comes To Parliament

Now in its 11th year, the Connecting Aotearoa Summit hosted by The Tech Users Association of New Zealand (TUANZ) will be held at Parliament Buildings, Wellington on Wednesday 13 May 2026.

The Summit arrives at a defining moment for New Zealand's digital future. With a general election on the horizon and the 2030 universal connectivity target four years away, 2026 is the year decisions will be made that lock in New Zealand's digital trajectory for the rest of the decade.

"How do we get everyone connected to the best broadband service that meets their needs to live and thrive in our digital future by 2030?" asks Craig Young, CEO of TUANZ.

"Digital connectivity is no longer a luxury; it is a fundamental requirement for education, employment, healthcare, and social inclusion."

"But too many New Zealanders remain left behind. Our 2026 Summit brings together policymakers, industry, and community leaders to demand coordinated action and secure cross-party commitment to the 2030 goal."

"We need digital connectivity and equity front-and-centre of political debate, economic prosperity and social wellbeing. The decisions made in 2026 will define a decade."

Key themes for Connecting Aotearoa 2026 include:

• Policy & Political Mandate: developing the definitive roadmap for universal connectivity ahead of the 2026 election, and securing cross-party commitment to the 2030 target
• Rural Connectivity: bridging the digital divide and ensuring resilient, future-proof access for all, regardless of location
• Affordability & Digital Equity: examining the total cost barriers of device, data and skills, and advancing practical solutions for true inclusion
• Future-Proofing Connectivity: emerging technologies and innovative, sustainable solutions to make the 2030 target a reality.

Event details
Date: Wednesday 13 May 2026 Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm (networking drinks follow)
Venue: Banquet Hall, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
Registrations: https://tuanz.org.nz/connectingaotearoasummit2026/

About TUANZ

The Tech Users Association of New Zealand (TUANZ) is an independent, member-based organisation advocating for all New Zealanders in the digital world. TUANZ's work focuses on access and inclusion, trust and safety, digital skills, and policy engagement — ensuring technology works for people, not the other way around.

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