Katoa Connect: Restoring Mana Through Digital Inclusion

Restoring Mana Through Digital Inclusion

Digital inclusion isn’t really a tech problem. It’s a people problem. The solution starts with restoring connection, dignity, and confidence so people can fully participate in everyday life.

He aha te kaupapa | The challenge we are facing

Katoa Connect image of three women gathered around a tablet, sharing a warm moment of digital learning, connection, and support in a community setting.

1 in 5 adults can’t confidently navigate digital platforms.

In Aotearoa, over 800,000 adults still lack essential digital skills. That’s nearly one in four adults who struggle to access online banking, health services, government forms, job applications, or even connect with loved ones.

At Katoa Connect, we know digital exclusion is about more than devices or internet access. It’s about confidence, dignity, and connection. When people have the right support in the right environment, they can build skills and take part in the digital world with greater independence.

This can mean being able to:

  • manage money and online accounts more safely

  • apply for jobs and keep learning

  • stay connected with whānau and community

  • build digital skills for everyday life

Learn with us or partner with us

Katoa Connect: About Us
Ko wai mātou | Who we are

Katoa Connect works alongside learners, whānau, and communities across Aotearoa to build digital confidence and capability.

Our vision is simple: every person in Aotearoa has the digital skills to fully participate in the world. We do this through practical programmes, strong partnerships, and a commitment to equity, connection, and respect.

He aha ngā whāinga | How we help

A smiling person stands proudly in front of a Katoa Connect banner, holding a certificate of completion. They are wearing a striped shirt, scarf, and black vest, celebrating their achievement.

Digital inclusion programmes

Our digital inclusion programmes support learners with affordable technology, practical skills development, and trusted guidance to participate safely and confidently online.

Explore programmes →

Two smiling people stand together indoors, with one proudly holding a Katoa Connect certificate of completion. The image celebrates learning, achievement, and community support.

Partner with us

We work alongside community organisations, funding partners, government, and industry to deliver meaningful, community-led outcomes.

Partner with us →

A person sits at a table using a laptop during a Katoa Connect learning session. The image reflects digital skills training, focus, and everyday learning support.

Learn with us

Learners develop practical digital skills and confidence to use devices and the internet for connection, learning, and everyday life.

Learn with us →

Katoa Connect Trust: Banner
He aha ai | Why it matters

We partner with local communities to deliver digital inclusion programmes that create real impact. Our learners are better able to access education, find work, manage their health, and stay connected with their communities.

A group of people gather indoors holding certificates beside banners, celebrating achievement through a Katoa Connect programme. The image reflects community success, learning, and shared opportunity.

What is digital equity?

Digital equity creates a level playing field where everyone can benefit from technology, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Read about digital equity →

Katoa Connect Trust: Digital Equity

What is digital inclusion?

Digital inclusion means everyone can access and use digital technology confidently, including having the right devices, skills, and support.

Read about digital inclusion →

Katoa Connect Trust: Digital Inclusion

Get in touch

Whether you want to learn more, partner with us, or support digital inclusion in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Mapping digital inclusion across Aotearoa

 

This map shows where Katoa Connect programmes are supporting whānau, learners, and communities to build digital skills, access, and confidence. Each location represents real people gaining the tools to participate more fully in everyday life, while helping us identify gaps, strengthen partnerships, and grow digital inclusion across Aotearoa.

Katoa Connect works alongside whānau and communities across the motu to build digital confidence, capability, and access where it is needed most.


Current impact

Katoa Connect Trust: Current Impact

Whānau Connect has supported 2,139 learners across 13 regions, helping people build the foundational digital skills they need for everyday life.

Growing home-based support

Katoa Connect Trust: Growing Home-Based Support

Through Kāinga Connect, regional delivery is expanding to help more people access practical digital support from home.

Looking ahead

Katoa Connect Trust: Looking Ahead

Guided by the 2028 strategy, “Build, Prioritise, and Provide,” this map helps identify where services can grow next, including areas with high need for disability access and wider participation.