Connecting Whanganui: Building a Digitally Inclusive Future

As we step into 2025, I am thrilled to continue advancing digital inclusion in Whanganui, embarking on a journey that holds immense promise for our community.

• My mission is clear: to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, can access and benefit from the digital world.

This year marks a significant transition for me as I take on the role of a small-scale digital inclusion social entrepreneur. By working independently, I aim to tailor initiatives that meet Whanganui’s unique needs and aspirations. This approach enables clearer goal-setting and decisive action, allowing me to focus entirely on local priorities.

One of my immediate goals is to establish a new entity: Digital Inclusion Whanganui. Initially, this will take the form of a Facebook page where I will outline Digital Inclusion Whanganui’s mission, purpose, and action plan. The page will also serve as a platform for consultation and collaboration with community members, stakeholders, and potential partners. As the initiative grows, there is potential for DIW to evolve into a larger organization, possibly a charitable trust or other formal entity that can scale through partnerships and investment.

A cornerstone of my 2025 efforts will be conducting a comprehensive digital inclusion needs assessment for Whanganui. This assessment will identify local challenges and opportunities, providing a roadmap for impactful action. My target is to complete this assessment by Techweek 2025 (19–25 May). During Techweek, I plan to host engaging events themed around “What does the digital inclusion landscape in Whanganui look like now, and what could it look like in 10 years?” These sessions may include panel discussions, interactive workshops, and opportunities for collaborative brainstorming.

• I see 2025 as a pivotal year to secure investment in digital inclusion initiatives that drive both economic and social prosperity. Building a digitally inclusive future won’t be quick or easy, but it’s a challenge I am eager to embrace. Success lies in collaboration, and I invite anyone interested in contributing to this journey—whether through funding, partnerships, or active participation—to reach out.

Together, we can shape a future where digital access and literacy empower everyone in Whanganui. Let’s connect and make it happen!

Click here to visit the Digital Inclusion Whanganui webpage:  https://crystaladventures.co.nz/digital-inclusion-whanganui/

This blog post is a collaborative creation by Alistair Fraser, with the innovative assistance of OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4o and DALL-E , highlighting the synergy of human creativity and advanced AI technology.