New Zealand / Regional

Northland receives broadband funding

17:16 pm on 12 March 2015

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.