The research by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) for the Digital Council of Aotearoa, provided government with:

• a clear social and economic rationale for investing in increasing digital inclusion
• advice on how to get the greatest return on investment in digital inclusion.

Digital inclusion is intertwined with individual, societal, and economic inclusion and wellbeing and makes a significant contribution to the evidence on digital inclusion in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Research: addressing the digital divide — the economic case for increasing digital inclusion:

• Research report — Department of Internal Affairs (PDF 3.9MB)
• Advice to Government — Department of Internal Affairs (PDF 13MB).

About the Digital Council of Aotearoa and NZIER

The Digital Council of Aotearoa was an independent Ministerial Advisory Group that provided advice to government on utilising digital and data-driven technologies for societal good in New Zealand. The Council wound up in December 2022.

The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER), is a specialist consulting firm that uses applied economic research and analysis to provide a wide range of strategic advice.