Maori access to information technology

The extent of Internet access is a key indicator of the Maori people’s ability to use information technologies for social, e‐commerce and e‐government communication. The key findings from national surveys of Internet use during 2000 and 2001, together with census data, provide an indication of Internet access amongst Maori. The results show there is a substantial “digital divide” between Maori and other New Zealanders, in terms of access to the Internet and employment in information technology industries. This “divide” is likely to be due to the lower household incomes and educational outcomes of Maori adults. While Maori currently do not have the same level of access to information technology as non‐Maori, the growth in their participation has nonetheless been rapid.