Arataki Impact Fibre ISP

Arataki Systems (AS) is a Māori owned, whānau (family) owned company that provide end to end technology solutions and services. Founded in 2016, we are a tech company based in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, wholly owned and run by Māori tech entrepreneurs. We have 60+ years of collective IT experience and 30+ years of experience working with Iwi and Māori communities. We have a team with decades of experience in various aspects and skill sets spanning the technology industry. Amongst this vast experience is years of practical and hands on experience in educating people on how to use technology in its many forms. 

In 2020, AS delivered a digital literacy programme around the North Island to upskill and educate Marae and their trustees. It was a privilege helping our people and communities to upskill through digital literacy. We strongly believe that improving the digital literacy and skills of our whānau will help them to safely navigate the many challenges of a rapidly changing digital world. It was during the delivery of this programme that we were asked by our Marae communities whether we could offer an affordable fast internet product. This got us to thinking about what we could do to design and then develop an affordable fibre Internet service for all communities.

With this project, we will explore what an Impact fibre ISP could look like by engaging with our community networks around Aotearoa New Zealand. Our over arching goal is to assist with decreasing the digital divide that exists within lower socio-economic communities by creating an affordable and accessible fibre (fast) internet service for all New Zealanders.

Joining us on this project are Amber Craig and Hiria Te Rangi, both of whom are leaders in the Māori tech community. They will be lending their extensive experience in tech as well as their strong connections into Māori communities.