Digital Future Aotearoa finalist for tech award bridging the divide
Digital Future Aotearoa (DFA) has been named a finalist for the Community Tech Champions award at the 2025 New Zealand CIO Awards in recognition of its work to improve digital opportunity and equity across New Zealand.
The Community Tech Champions award is presented to organisations that leverage technology to strengthen communities and effect social change. DFA's selection as a finalist underscores its dedication to removing barriers to digital participation for communities nationwide.
Bronwyn Scott, General Manager of DFA, commented,
"At its heart, this is recognition for the thousands of volunteers, educators, partners, and young people driving change in their communities. We know that access to devices and digital education is life-changing — and we're proud to help create that access for those who need it most."
A record of impact
DFA has been previously acknowledged within the sector. The organisation's Recycle A Device (RAD) programme was awarded the Sustainability Through Technology accolade at the 2021 CIO Awards. The RAD initiative combines device refurbishment with digital upskilling, aiming to reduce electronic waste and provide young people, or rangatahi, with practical technical and engineering skills, as well as experience in problem-solving and leadership.
The RAD programme is not DFA's only endeavour. The charity offers multiple initiatives designed to ensure tamariki (children), rangatahi (young people), and kaiako (educators) are digitally equipped. Initiatives include Code Club Aotearoa, which has enabled nearly 4,000 children to learn coding and computer science skills in a volunteer-led club setting; Ōtautahi Outreach, a professional development programme that, in 2024 alone, supported over 100 teachers and more than 500 students in Canterbury schools; and Digital Pīkau, an online library of free teaching resources accessed by thousands of educators throughout New Zealand.
This integrated approach is intended to address digital inequity from several perspectives, ensuring both technology access and digital capability are prioritised. The result, according to DFA, is that young people and educators throughout Aotearoa have gained increased confidence and practical skills to thrive in a digital society.
Continuing digital inequity
DFA's ongoing work comes as significant digital disparities persist across New Zealand. More than 150,000 households currently lack consistent internet access, and many others encounter challenges in securing both devices and digital skills. These issues affect Māori, Pasifika and low-income communities disproportionately.
Scott explained DFA's motivation, stating,
"At DFA, we believe digital skills are essential for participating fully in society — for education, employment, health, and cultural connection. But without access to devices and meaningful learning opportunities, too many young people are being left behind."
The Community Tech Champions award recognises those organisations working to narrow these divides. The DFA notes that it is seeking further partnerships to expand its reach and effectiveness.
Support opportunities
DFA has called upon businesses, community groups, and individuals to contribute to its efforts. Two key ways to support this initiative have been outlined: donating used laptops through the RAD initiative to enable greater device access and sponsoring Digital Pīkau resources to ensure that free, curriculum-aligned digital learning content remains available to all schools, regardless of their funding.
Scott emphasised,
"Every laptop donated, every resource sponsored, helps break down barriers to digital opportunity. Together, we can ensure that no child in Aotearoa is left behind simply because they can't afford the tools to learn or engage with technology."
Recognising community achievement
DFA's recognition as a finalist is attributed by its leadership to the broader community working collectively to bridge the digital divide. As Scott highlighted,
"Being a finalist is a celebration of community. It reflects the power of what can happen when passionate people come together to bridge the digital divide. Our mahi is about building opportunities for the next generation - because digital equity is essential, not optional."
The charity reports that in the past year alone, it has facilitated the donation of over 2,920 refurbished laptops, engaged nearly 4,000 young people in Code Club Aotearoa, provided professional development for hundreds of teachers through Ōtautahi Outreach, and empowered thousands through additional partnerships and resources.
Scott stated,
"Every device, every dollar makes a difference. Together, we can make sure every tamaiti and rangatahi has the tools, skills, and confidence to take part in our digital world - because that's how we grow a more inclusive, innovative Aotearoa."
Looking ahead
The award winners will be announced at an event in Auckland in August. DFA has expressed its ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for young people throughout Aotearoa, continuing its work alongside partners, volunteers, and broader communities to address the country's digital divide.
