The government says Northland towns such as Kaikohe, Kerikeri and Dargaville could be next in line for high-speed internet, with the extension of its ultra-fast broadband programme.
Photo: AFP
In Kerikeri today the Prime Minister confirmed funding of $100 million to extend the Rural Broadband Initiative, and $50 million to fix mobile phone black spots in remote places around the country.
John Key said the funding was in no way a Northland by-election bribe, with National outlining the plan before the last election.
Mr Key said Northland councils would have to bid for inclusion in the roll-out, with the objective being to extend fibre coverage to at least 80 percent of New Zealand's population.
"There's a lot of good will onside the Far North District Council, and there's a lot of good will onside the government; what we are confirming though is all the decisions we made prior to the election, which is to say, we're going to put in more money."
He said ultra-fast broadband would significantly boost Northland's tourism, business and employment prospects.