For some New Zealanders, the cost of mobile data can be a barrier to accessing essential information on government and non-government websites. A cross-agency team came together to solve this problem.
What is Zero Data?
Zero Data is an innovative technology that provides free access to essential online information and services.
Through the zero.govt.nz portal, people using mobile data on participating networks can access:
- any website with .govt.nz in its address
- sponsored non-government websites.
Zero Data Portal — zero.govt.nz
Non-government organisations’ websites can be added to Zero Data if a participating agency sponsors them.
Thanks to this initiative, most New Zealand schools and many non-government health organisations are now available through Zero Data.
Government agencies sponsoring this initiative cover the costs for all content accessed through Zero Data.
How to access Zero Data
- Turn on your mobile data
- Visit zero.govt.nz
- Pick a website to visit.
You’ll know you’re on Zero Data, and not being charged for data, when you see this banner across the top of the website:
Detailed description of image
This figure is a screenshot of a mobile phone on the Zero Data portal with a popup banner showing the following words:
“This page is delivered to you via Zero.govt.nz.
Please note that Youtube videos are not currently available through the service.”
Better results for New Zealanders
Research from the Digital Equality Coalition Aotearoa showed over 200,000 working age kiwis do not have access to the internet at home.
An evaluation of the impact Zero Data has had on communities showed overwhelmingly positive results — once someone has visited a website through the portal, they return to Zero Data enabled websites multiple times.
In , there were over 110,000 visits to websites through the portal.
Communities who previously relied on free Wi-Fi outside their homes have told us that through Zero Data they’ve been able to manage their lives digitally when:
- accessing health information when their children are sick
- managing schoolwork
- looking for work
- applying for government support.
Unlike previous free-of-charge initiatives, the Zero Data solution removes charges for the person’s entire journey through government online content.
Adding All-of-Government portal govt.nz to Zero Data has also enabled a seamless, data-free pathway to even more agencies — including even some not listed on the Zero Data portal.
All-of-Government portal — govt.nz
Better results for Government
Zero Data is a key enabler of digitising government. As more government services move online, the initiative allows digitally excluded communities to enjoy the benefits of this technology and use self-service channels to interact with government. Empowering these people to access government information and services when they need them also reduces calls to contact centres.
The Zero Data solution has also been significantly cheaper to create and run than previous options. Those most in need can have their data charges reduced and government can collectively negotiate favourable data charges with telecommunications providers.
The Zero Data initiative:
- is funded through agency baselines
- is developed by existing agency staff
- requires minimal technical knowledge from teams managing the website
- shares the data and maintenance costs across agencies.
This initiative was a finalist in the edition of the Public Service Commission’s prestigious Te Hāpai Hapori Spirit of Service Awards. These awards recognise public servants who go the extra mile and initiatives that deliver great outcomes for people in New Zealand.
Spirit of Service Awards — Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission
How your agency can help
While usage of Zero Data has been positive, we can do better if more agencies support the initiative. Contact us if your agency is interested in being part of this programme.
Email: support@zero.govt.nz
You can also download and share the posters and resources with communities who might need this service.
