Digital equity and Skinny Jump

At Skinny, we believe every New Zealander deserves equal opportunities to learn and thrive in our digital world. Skinny Jump was designed to try and help achieve greater digital equity for all kiwis.

What is digital equity?

Digital equity aims to level the playing field for digital access. 

Image showing the difference between equality and equity using the example of people watching a rugby game over a fence. Source: Spark Foundation

   

Digital equity focuses on ensuring that everyone has access to the necessary tools and resources to participate in the digital world, recognising that some individuals or communities may require extra support.

Access and digital inclusion

Skinny Jump’s goal is to help kiwis to be digitally included by providing easier access to the internet. We know that access to the internet is only one piece of the puzzle for an individual to experience digital inclusion but research tells us that it's an important one. 

The Digital Inclusion Blueprint research by the NZ government found that there are four key elements which are needed for a person to be digitally included and one of these is access.

The four elements of digital inclusion: motivation, access, skills and trust Source: digital.govt.nz

 

Why is digital equity and digital inclusion important?

As the world rapidly becomes more and more digital, those who aren’t connected are at risk of being left behind. 

The Digital Inclusion Blueprint says:

“If everyone has what they need to access and use the internet, there will be a strong foundation in place for all New Zealanders to move forward together in an ever-changing digital world... People who cannot access and use the internet are increasingly at a disadvantage.”

The Forest of Opportunity

This video from the Spark Foundation outlines what Digital Equity is and why it is important for all kiwis.