Building digital confidence, connection and independence.

Overview

A physical support hub in Kaiti provides walk-in help, referrals, and practical guidance for people trying to access everyday digital services.

Need

There is a growing demand for essential local services that are difficult to access elsewhere, such as online banking help, health apps, census completion, and driver refresher courses. The Hub has had to adapt from a PC-centric model to supporting phones, tablets, and laptops as community device usage changed.

Response

TaiTech operates a physical Hub in Kaiti, open 30 hours per week, providing walk-in support, referrals, and a JP Service Desk for people struggling with online services.

Metrics

• 500 visitors per month
• Open 30 hours per week
• Walk-in support, referrals, and JP Service Desk

Partners and funders

• Kānoa (MBIE)
• Trust Tairāwhiti
• Sunrise Foundation
• Stats NZ
• ACC
• EIT
• internetnz
• Te Whatu Ora
• Te Puni Kōkiri
• Electoral Commission
• Kanorau Digital

Overview

Small-group classes and outreach support help older people build confidence with devices, online safety, and essential digital services.

Need

Seniors face immediate problems with their devices and require digital wellbeing support in a social context. There is a specific and increasing need for help with online banking and avoiding scams. Remote areas of the Coast also lack fair and equitable treatment regarding digital access.

Response

TaiTech delivers classes in small social settings and utilizes the DORA bus to travel to remote coastal communities to establish credibility and provide support. Hybrid courses are also planned for those in distant areas.

Metrics

• Attendance grew from 132 participants in FY21 to 850 in FY25
• Around 80 people attend each week
• Most participants complete five courses over four weeks

Story

• Seniors from Uawa and further north have travelled three hours each way by minibus, five times over, to learn how to use their phones safely.

External validation

• TaiTech accounts for 37% of all participants nationwide who have completed Office for Seniors courses through DIAA.

Partners and funders

• DIAA
• Age Concern New Zealand

Overview

Targeted workshops gave small businesses practical help to apply digital fundamentals and current tools in ways that made sense to them.

Need

There is a huge demand in the community for targeted, personalised assistance for small businesses to understand digital fundamentals.

Response

TaiTech ran workshops focused on applying business fundamentals using the latest digital tools, including generative AI like ChatGPT.

Metrics

• 30 workshops held specifically for small business support