From Frenzy to Stillness – The last few weeks have flown by in a blur of preparation, anticipation, and presentation. It feels strange, and slightly disorienting, to suddenly find myself without the immediate pressure of preparing for Techweek2025, a project that has consumed my focus since the start of this year. The Whanganui Digital Inclusion Needs Analysis, which has been my key project and passion for months, has now been presented, discussed, and thoroughly explored during my Techweek session. Now it is done. It’s a moment of quiet accomplishment but also one of deep reflection.
A Waypoint, Not the Finish Line – The journey hasn’t ended here, of course. Far from it—this milestone is simply a waypoint on a much longer journey toward genuine digital equity and inclusion. Yet, despite knowing this, the transition from intense activity to reflective stillness has its own unique quality, prompting me to pause, evaluate, and begin planning the next steps.
Advocating at the Council Table – Parallel to the needs analysis, my recent weeks have also been filled with advocacy efforts directed toward the Whanganui District Council (WDC). I submitted detailed and robust proposals for their Annual Plan and new Vision Strategy, including making an oral submission to emphasise the critical importance of digital inclusion. With these submissions now complete, I am in a state of waiting and anticipation.
There are mixed feelings of hope and realism. I await signals from the Council as they deliberate this Wednesday, 28 May. However, this optimism is tempered by recent announcements from central government regarding the cost burden on local councils from national water management reforms. Financial constraints inevitably lead to prioritisation, cost-cutting, and sometimes the postponement or even cancellation of valuable local initiatives. It seems highly plausible that DIW (Digital Inclusion Whanganui) could be sidelined, ignored, or deferred indefinitely.
Turning Constraints into Creativity – But adversity is often an impetus for innovation. Regardless of council decisions, the question remains: Where do we go from here?
Reflections from Techweek2025 – Reflecting on my Techweek session itself, I am encouraged by the outcomes. Approximately 15 engaged individuals attended, with more than half staying for the full two-hour duration. It was genuinely heartening to witness such a diverse group, representing various sectors, ages, and experiences. The discussions were lively and insightful, exploring multiple dimensions of digital inclusion, and this rich exchange of ideas has significantly broadened my perspectives. For the first time, I encountered fresh viewpoints that challenged and expanded my approach to digital inclusion work.
These conversations still resonate strongly with me, prompting ongoing reflection on new pathways and opportunities. Additionally, some attendees previously unknown to me have “come out of the woodwork,” expressing their interest in further collaboration. The immediate priority for me now is clear: to follow up swiftly and proactively, maintaining and deepening these connections. I am keen to organise a meetup soon, inviting everyone who attended, alongside other stakeholders I’ve engaged throughout the year, to further discussions about collaboration, co-design, and collective action.
Building an Advisory Compass – Over the past months, I have put substantial effort into crafting a detailed and strategic business plan for DIW. However, the diverse and thoughtful input from Techweek participants indicates there are many potential paths forward. Some of these paths might align closely with my current strategy, while others might demand a shift in focus or a complementary approach. Whatever the eventual governance structure—whether council-led or community-driven—establishing an informal steering or advisory group feels like an essential next step. Such a group would provide a structured yet flexible framework for ongoing collaboration, clearly defining expectations, roles, and collective outcomes.
The Power of “Why” vs “Purpose” – Another valuable source of ongoing inspiration and reflection for me has been the Whanganui Business Book Club. Participating in this club provides exceptional opportunities for networking, professional development, and continuous learning. Currently, we are exploring the profound insights offered by Simon Sinek on understanding the “Why” behind our actions. This exploration has been particularly timely, offering an unexpected revelation that deeply impacts how I approach my work and life.
Until recently, I had always equated my “Purpose” with my “Why,” believing them synonymous. It was only during a recent exercise prompted by the Book Club—revisiting and clarifying my “What,” “Why,” and “Purpose”—that I realised the fundamental difference between “Purpose” and “Why.” My carefully constructed purpose statement from last September, which helped prepare me for launching DIW in January 2025, now seemed incomplete. Purpose relates to my actions—what I intend to do and achieve. But my “Why” is deeper, emotionally resonant, and existentially significant. It’s the underlying belief, passion, and motivation that drives my actions and decisions.
This revelation couldn’t have come at a better time, serendipitously coinciding with a crucial juncture in my journey with DIW. Leveraging AI to deepen this exploration has provided invaluable clarity. Together with AI, I’ve begun refining the foundational statements that define DIW’s mission and vision. Here’s the current draft that resonates strongly:
- Why: “Because everyone deserves dignity and empowerment through digital equity.”
- Purpose: “To actively facilitate community empowerment and wellbeing through equitable digital access and literacy.”
- Vision: “A Whanganui where digital barriers no longer exist, fostering inclusion, prosperity, and a thriving, informed community.”
- Mission: “To deliver practical, community-focused digital skills training, facilitate access to technology, and advocate for inclusive digital policies and sustainable funding.”
With these guiding statements clearly articulated, I feel better prepared for the crucial discussions ahead, particularly in forming a steering group. I anticipate some challenging debates around scope and focus. Some might advocate for narrower initiatives—perhaps targeting only low-income families or specifically Māori and Pasifika youth. My hope is that we can navigate these discussions sensitively, aiming for inclusive solutions that serve the broader community while acknowledging specific needs.
National Perspectives at TUANZ – Another milestone this past week was attending the TUANZ Connecting Aotearoa Summit in Hamilton on Wednesday, 21 May. Travelling straight from my Techweek session to Hamilton, the timing was tight yet exhilarating. At the summit, I felt initially small amongst prominent national stakeholders and organisations. However, the experience was profoundly enriching. Listening to national perspectives on digital inclusion priorities across Aotearoa provided crucial insights and validation.
Charting the Road Ahead – Over the coming weeks, I will be unpacking and reflecting on the learnings from the summit, exploring opportunities for DIW to align strategically with broader national objectives and initiatives. I sense numerous possibilities for connecting local efforts with national agendas, creating opportunities for collaboration, funding, and enhanced impact.
Looking forward, I am energised by the possibilities and challenges ahead. Each day offers a new chance to make a positive, tangible impact. Digital inclusion and equity remain deeply meaningful to me, personally and professionally. Knowing why I pursue this mahi—rooted firmly in dignity, empowerment, and genuine community wellbeing—provides the motivation I need to keep pushing forward.
As I reflect on these past milestones—Techweek, council submissions, and the TUANZ summit—I recognise that they are simply waypoints rather than destinations. They mark moments of achievement and transition, each prompting deeper understanding and renewed commitment.
The journey ahead is uncertain, undoubtedly filled with challenges and setbacks, as much as it is filled with opportunities and victories. Yet, knowing clearly why I am on this path gives purpose and strength to every step.
In the coming weeks, my priority remains clear: nurturing collaborative relationships, refining strategic direction, and embedding the core values of dignity and empowerment in every initiative undertaken. The path ahead might twist and turn, but the direction and intention remain unwavering.
With clarity around my “Why” and purpose firmly established, every step forward feels meaningful and profoundly worthwhile.
This blog post is a collaborative creation by Alistair Fraser, with the innovative assistance of OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4.5 and 4.o, highlighting the synergy of human creativity and advanced AI technology.