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I can’t afford the internet. Is there free access anywhere?

For many New Zealanders, there is a significant cost barrier to accessing the internet. It is estimated that approximately 130,320 homes across New Zealand don’t have an internet connection.

Skinny Jump: Skinny Jump is an initiative by the Spark Foundation that provides subsidised broadband services to eligible New Zealanders who can’t afford a broadband connection at home. This includes: seniors, people with disabilities, those living in social housing, refugees and migrant communities, job seekers, and families with children. Skinny Jump costs just $5 a month, with no contracts or credit checks – find out more information here. 

The government is also aware of the ‘cost’ barrier for many people wanting information via the internet. In response they have setup the ‘Zero Data’ initiative.

If you are on a Spark, Skinny, OneNZ, 2degrees, Warehouse Mobile, Slingshot or Orcon mobile network, you can access key health sector websites for free via the Zero Data initiative through the www.zero.govt.nz website.

Zero Data is a collaborative initiative involving ACC, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Justice, Kāinga Ora, the Ministry of Social Development, and the Department of Internal Affairs. All mobile data charges for content accessed through this portal are automatically charged back to Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, so you won’t incur charges when accessing these sites from a mobile device.

There may be some limitations where websites include content from, or links to other websites – this is to ensure that only approved content is accessed through the portal. 

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Updated: 3 Apr 2024
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