New Member: Welcome to The 20/20 Trust

Communications Officer • March 6, 2024

Welcome back to another edition of our Community Networks Aotearoa Member Spotlight!

Today we’re taking a moment to welcome and spotlight our newest addition to the CNA whānua, 20/20 Trust.

20/20 Trust is an organisation that partners with digitally-excluded communities to deliver digital skills training. Their mahi aims to create a level playing field where everyone can benefit from the advantages of technology, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Why is digital inclusion important?

In an increasingly digital age, nearly everything from services to commerce and government interactions has migrated online. This shift encompasses crucial tasks like passport applications, tax filing, and accessing pension records. Consequently, individuals without online access find themselves at a growing disadvantage.

According to 20/20 Trust:

20% of adults in Aotearoa lack the essential digital skills needed to use the internet safely and effectively.
130,000 households don’t have access to the internet at home.
216,000 households can’t afford internet that meets their needs.
64% of households don’t have a fibre connection installed.
There is a current inequity in technology accessibility, knowledge and training across the country.

This is where 20/20 comes into play. They offer a range of programmes to support digital inclusion, including Whānau Family Connect, Kaumātua Senior Connect, Hapori Community Connect and Rerenga Refugee Connect.

The four pillars of digital inclusion that sit at the core of all 20/20 Programmes;

Access: Access to affordable digital devices and access to affordable internet where people live, work and play.
Skills: Confidence and competence with knowing how to use digital devices and the internet.
Motivation: Understanding how the internet and digital technology can help us connect, learn or access opportunities.
Trust: Having the digital literacy skills to avoid scams, harmful communication and misleading information to stay safe online.

Trust Chief Executive, Dr Warren Williams, has expressed enthusiasm about joining as a CNA Member.

“Membership of CNA aligns seamlessly with the Trust's vision to promote digital inclusion in Aotearoa New Zealand by leveraging community-based partnerships for digital skills training and advocacy.

“This affiliation not only fosters meaningful connections now with many more regional community organisations but also enhances our ability to advocate our digital equity priorities at governmental and business levels.”

CNA Executive Officer, Ros Rice, echoes the same enthusiasm.

“This gives our members the opportunity to engage with and participate in digital inclusion activities in their own communities and networks and now work alongside an organisation like the 20/20 Trust dedicated to reducing digital inequities in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

It’s a pleasure to have 20/20 Trust as a Member of CNA. We look forward to working together in 2024 and beyond.

Image: Mathew Reweti, 20/20 Trust, Ros Rice & Patrick Davies.

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Hapori Aotearoa Conference Wrap-Up

By Community Networks • March 10, 2025

Last week Patrick represented CNA at the Hapori Aotearoa – Growing Communities Together in sunny Tauranga presented by Inspiring Communities and the Tauranga City Council. A two-day conference focused on providing practical resources amplifying community development. With each day having multiple concurrent workshops there were difficult (and esciting) choices to be made. The hottest topics were Social Return On Investments / Social Investment, Te Tiriti, and (no surprise) funding within the Sector. There were great speakers and a lot of table korero, spilling of tea, and sharing ideas and resources. Did you know there is a Regional Data Explorer on the Social Investment Agency website ? How might organisations use this to target their mahi and applications? “The Social Investment Agency’s Regional Data Explorer supports access to data for regional and sub-regional decision-making. It brings together 70 datasets or 'indicators' which can be filtered to meet a particular need." Another great workshop (Belinda Gorman ) looked into connecting with businesses to explore various ways of funding. Looking at alignment, how to approach and creating that relationship. One contribution we were able to make was a handy dandy doc on how to use the free version of ChatGPT to create a start – how to create a document that begins your journey on support, sponsorship and funding. Here it is – Using ChatGPT to Get $. And it was a great chance to catch up with Members – SociaLink (also a supporter of the conference); Volunteer Kapiti and Community Networking Trust. It was a time to catch up with friends from other organisations and to make new connections, both strengthening our reach around the Motu. Whilst conferences are expensive, attending can hit many birds with one stone and its important to get out of your own area, headspace to remind yourself that you are not alone in what’s going on; that there are people with ideas around you; and that (while it can be a draining experience) it is a fantastic way to recharge your spirit. We look forward to hosting our Members at our Members’ Only Hui on Friday, 7th November in Te Whanganui-a-Tara /Wgtn for exactly those reasons. Oh, did I mention it’s also our 50th Anniversary celebrations? Patrick Davies, Engagement Officer