Tairāwhiti Technology
Building digital confidence, connection, and independence for seniors and kaumātua across Tairāwhiti.
TaiTech Impact
Local digital support with visible community reach.
TaiTech works across Te Tairawhiti with practical help, trusted relationships, and programmes shaped around the way people actually use technology now.
Regional Digital Hub
A physical support hub in Kaiti provides walk-in help, referrals, and hands-on guidance for people trying to access everyday digital services.
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Need
There is sustained demand for local help with online banking, health apps, census completion, and driver refresher access. The support model has also had to shift from mainly desktop computing to smartphones, tablets, and laptops as device use has changed.
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Response
TaiTech operates a staffed Hub in Kaiti for 30 hours each week, offering practical one-to-one support, referrals, and a JP Service Desk for people struggling with online systems.
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Metrics
- 500 visitors each month
- Open 30 hours per week
- Walk-in support, referrals, and JP Service Desk
Partners and funders
- Kanoa (MBIE)
- Trust Tairawhiti
- Sunrise Foundation
- Stats NZ
- ACC
- EIT
- InternetNZ
- Te Whatu Ora
- Te Puni Kokiri
- Electoral Commission
- Kanorau Digital
Senior Digital Literacy Programme
Small-group classes and outreach support help older people build confidence with devices, online safety, and essential digital services.
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Need
Seniors increasingly need help with everyday device problems, safer online banking, and scam awareness. Coastal communities also face persistent inequities in access to digital support.
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Response
TaiTech delivers social, small-group classes and uses the DORA bus to reach remote coastal communities, with hybrid course delivery planned for people who live further away.
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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
Small Business Support
Targeted workshops gave small businesses practical help to apply digital fundamentals and newer tools such as generative AI.
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Need
Local small businesses have shown strong demand for targeted, personalised support that explains digital fundamentals in practical terms.
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Response
TaiTech ran workshop sessions focused on business fundamentals using current digital tools, including generative AI tools such as ChatGPT.
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Metrics
- 30 dedicated small-business workshops delivered
Training
We facilitate technology training for those who want to know more about the digital world.
Workshops
Building confident, innovative users of digital technologies.
Education
We help educate and empower people in the Gisborne region.
Free Tech Help with a Digi-coach
We have partnered with SteppingUp to provide free tech help through a trained Digi-Coach, Linkin
Enquire now
Better Digital Futures
To register visit the Hub or call Polly on 021 258 2474
Enquire Now
Trust Structure
Trustees
Mark Lucas (chairperson)
Helena Mill (secretary)
Maurice Alford (treasurer)
Carolyn Carpendale (trustee)
Michelle Mihaka (trustee)
Staff
Polly Crawford (operations manager)
Simeon Alford (lead tutor)
Kim Waititi (tutor)
Income
Philanthropic funders
Private donors
Fees for IT training courses
Our Partners
Ways to Support
Monthly Giving
Make a donation of any amount direct to our bank account.
One-off Koha/Donation
Large or small, much appreciated!
Become a Volunteer
Share your talents and expertise
Our Trustees
We couldn't do it without our trustees. Thank you so much.
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Helena Mill
Secretary
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Maurice Alford
Treasurer
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Carolyn Carpendale
Trustee
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Mark Aaron Lucas
Chairperson
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Michelle Amelia Mihaka
Trustee
TaiTech
021 258 2474office.taitech@gmail.com
Kaiti Hub, 502 Wainui Road
Kaiti, Gisborne 4010
New Zealand
Open for Business
Monday to Friday
9:30am to 3:00pm