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Newsletter for Digital Inclusion Supporters,  Helpers and Advisors, and Priority Stakeholders  – 27 January 2025

Subject: Introducing Digital Inclusion Whanganui: Progress & explaining how you could  help make us succeed

Kia ora koutou

I’m writing to you to share this inaugural update on Digital Inclusion Whanganui (DIW), a new community-driven initiative focused on addressing digital inequities in Whanganui.

Digital Inclusion Whanganui is on a mission to ensure everyone in our community has access to the technology, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in the digital age.

This update outlines the following :

  • What is Digital Inclusion Whanganui
  • Progress to date
  • Next steps
  • How you can help

What is Digital Inclusion Whanganui?

Our goals are simple:

  • Identify barriers to digital inclusion.
  • Empower individuals and families through locally tailored initiatives.
  • Foster collaboration among community groups, organisations, and businesses.

DIW aims to create a digitally inclusive Whanganui where everyone has equitable access to technology, connectivity, and digital skills.

  • The programme targets key areas—access, skills, safety, and motivation—to address barriers faced by low-income families, seniors, rural residents, and other marginalised groups.
  • This initiative builds on successful models in similar communities and seeks to empower Whanganui residents through locally tailored, inclusive digital initiatives.

It is an initiative spearheaded by Alistair Fraser.  He will address inequities in digital access and literacy.

Key Objectives and Vision:

  • Conduct a comprehensive digital inclusion needs analysis by Techweek 19-25 May 2025.
  • Engage stakeholders across various sectors to build partnerships and strengthen collaboration.
  • Launch impactful pilot initiatives targeting key community needs by March 2026.
  • Secure sustainable funding to support ongoing and future projects.

For more information read Alistair’s action plan and discussion paper he wrote on 14 January 2025  – download a PDF from Alistair’s Google Drive https://drive.google.com/file/d/1csk0BxdA-g29WI7PKuVG9-kUIKNy5CXe/view?usp=sharing

Progress to Date

Since launching in early to mid-January 2025:

  • Our story “Building a digitally inclusive future” just published by River City press, Thursday, January 23, 2025.

Thanks to River City Press for giving me the opportunity to explain to everyone publicly what DIW is about, and how my  work for this is being undertaken  independently as a Whanganui resident/ratepayer.

You can read the story at this link, then navigate to page 13.
https://cdn.rivercitypress.co.nz/newspapers/2025-01-23.pdf

Well worth the effort as there is another good story above mine about “A chance to chat about Council’s post-Treaty settlement relationship with Hapū and Iwi.”  This will be a great opportunity to fly the flag for digital inclusion in their plans for establishing Te Puna Hapori justice and community wellbeing hub with Safer Whanganui

  • Initial Stakeholder Engagement: Early stages, stakeholder groups determined, and potential stakeholders identified.  A ‘circle of influence’ map of ideal stakeholders has been developed allowing Alistair to prioritise his energies to connect most meaningfully.

From now Alistair will begin engagement with key stakeholders and supporters  plus spread the word in his daily networking activities.

 Next Steps

  1. Finalise the Needs Analysis:  We’ll refine the survey, incorporating feedback as appropriate  and begin data collection from mid-February.
  2. Engage Stakeholders: From now, expand outreach to more organisations and individuals for participation in focus groups and surveys.  Alistair intends to run some events and attend public meetings to explain about Digital Inclusion Whanganui and the needs analysis.
  3. Create promotional  collateral:  Alistair is designing flyers and posters to be used by stakeholders to generate participation.
  4. Present at Techweek: Share the results of the needs analysis and foster collaboration through events like workshops and panel discussions.
  5. Build Pilot Programmes: Translate findings into actionable initiatives addressing urgent community needs by early 2026​.

How can you help

Your feedback and support would be much appreciated  to ensuring DIW is fit for purpose.

Whilst I am pleased with what has been produced so far, I’m sure there  will be things I may have overlooked or need to explain better.

I’d love your input on the following:

  • Survey Design: Are the questions relevant and comprehensive?  Are there typos and is anything missed?
  • Community Needs: Are there gaps in our current approach or demographics not yet considered?
  • Strategic Direction: What additional steps should we prioritise?

If you’re interested in contributing, please let me know.

I intend acknowledging everyone who helps and contributes appropriately.   I intend  over time, in month or so, especially after Techweek 2025 to investigate how Digitally Inclusion Whanganui can be scaled up and involve many more through collaboration and partnerships

Thank you for considering this opportunity to help shape Whanganui’s digital future. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Ngā mihi nui,

Alistair Fraser
Digital Inclusion Whanganui | Crystal Adventures Ltd

📧 alistair@crystaladventures.co.nz
📞 027 418 6545

 

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