On-demand funding available

InternetNZ has on-demand funding, which enables small scale quick response funding that fits with our mission to help New Zealanders harness the power of the Internet. 

If you have an initiative you need funding for, get in touch with us by emailing funding@internetnz.net.nz 

Here are two recent examples of our on-demand funding:

Citizen AI, COVID-19 content update for Workbot and Rentbot

Citizen AI looks for ways to use artificial intelligence for public benefit. They have been working to use AI to improve access to justice, help people navigate health systems and democratise information to strengthen social participation.

They currently have three chatbots tapping into the power of AI

• Workbot
• Rentbot
• Lagbot

InternetNZ funding enabled the team to urgently update the Workbot and Rentbot projects to ensure relevant and accurate advice. These bots provide legal information about employment law and tenancy law. The tumultuous lockdown period saw workers and renters across Aotearoa facing stress and uncertainty and Citizen AI was able to enable thousands of Kiwis to receive bespoke legal advice. 

“Better informed people make better decisions” Geoffrey Roberts. 

They proved that digital platforms like chatbots can rapidly respond to changing needs and content development can iterate quickly in response to user demand.

ActionStation Aotearoa, Fostering belonging and inclusion for Māori online

ActionStation is all about people powered change. They run programmes designed to reduce the proliferation of online hate toward Māori and increase New Zealanders’ understanding of Māori culture, knowledge and aspirations.

Continuing from a recent pilot programme supported by Netsafe and Marsden Fund, they will run a series of webinars with a focus on fostering inclusion and belonging for Māori online. 

To support this kaupapa they plan to run monthly Tautoko sessions where they train and support folks to use their messaging guides and methodology to shift hearts and minds to more inclusive positions regarding Māori people, language and culture.

Supporting people to connect and build community online is more important than ever in the context of COVID-19. Racialised online abuse is preventing Māori from participating fully in the digital world. By reducing the harm of online hate, and increasing people’s understanding of te ao Māori, we can build a more inclusive Internet for all New Zealanders.