ICTs as an Antidote to Hardship and Inequality

implications for New Zealand

Abstract

Contemporary ICTs, such as mobile phones and the internet, are increasingly viewed as potential solutions to some of humanity’s most complex and pressing problems, including poverty and inequality. But in New Zealand the evidence shows there are large gaps in the ICT-related resources and support available to New Zealand’s digitally poor. Among the shortcomings are a profound lack of integration of ICT needs into social policy design and implementation, the absence of a programme of ongoing policy review and update, and insufficient research.