Simon Bridges National MP simonbridges.co.nz

Connectivity has become an essential part of modern life. High quality internet makes a difference to the way we run our local businesses, with access to the digital economy and greater commercial opportunities.

In schools, students and teachers can benefit from online learning resources, and explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

The Government recognises the role of high quality internet in driving economic and social growth. We are working hard to deliver the best possible telecommunications infrastructure to all New Zealanders.

Last Thursday it was a pleasure to announce, as Communications Minister, with Prime Minister Bill English, that we are investing $300 million to expand the Ultra-Fast Broadband programme to an additional 151 towns across New Zealand, plus 43 suburban fringe areas around the larger centres which weren't covered by the first phase of the programme.

For the Bay of Plenty, this means $17m will be spent bringing fibre access to 15 towns and cities. As a result, a further 36,000 locals will be better connected and be able to reap the benefits of a world-class broadband service.

I've had some constructive conversations with Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller about how beneficial this further rollout of UFB will be for our region. We are both incredibly excited for towns such as Te Puke, Te Puna and Omokoroa, which are just a few of the various towns in our region that will be benefitting from the Government's further investment in UFB.

Phase one of UFB has already brought fibre access to more than one million households and businesses in 38 towns and cities across New Zealand. The level of UFB uptake is at 30 per cent, with more than 300,000 connections and Tauranga already has the highest rate of UFB connectivity in NZ.

This expansion brings us closer to achieving our target of bringing faster broadband and better mobile coverage to 99 per cent of New Zealanders by 2025.

The Government is ensuring more of our local businesses, schools, hospitals, and rural communities will be able to take advantage of a faster and more reliable broadband network, and the opportunities it provides. It is exciting to see the Bay benefitting from the continued significant investment into infrastructure by this Government.