A trust has been established to oversee an ambitious project aimed at providing internet access and e-learning devices to all children in Rotorua.
The Excel Rotorua initiative is being facilitated by Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Iho Ake Trust, the educational arm of Ngati Whakaue.
The project aims to establish e-learning communities throughout the North Island city which will involve early childhood centres to secondary schools.
A principals' board to advise the Excel Rotorua Education Trust has also been established.
The chairman of the Excel Rotorua Education Trust, Leith Comer, said the pilot project has the support of some big players in technology.
"Following a year of working with education and community leaders in Rotorua we have now agreed working a common agenda. Buying into this common agenda are some high calibre people who now make up the the trust and advisory board," he said.
"We now also have support from the commercial sector through Vodafone and Apple, research expertise from Massey University and leadership development through the Academy for Collaborative Futures."
Mr Comer said Vodafone would enhance internet access in the district while Apple would arrange for the leasing of e-learning devices.