Laptop and internet assistance

If you’re on a low income or benefit and don’t have access to the internet or a computer to learn on, you can apply for extra help with these costs.

Te Kura doesn’t get extra funding to be able to provide computers and internet access to all of our students. However, we try to help as many students who need extra help as we can.

Who can get it

Current full-time or young adult students, living in New Zealand, enrolled in our online Early Childhood, Primary, or Te Ara Hou programmes, or enrolled in three or more online 000, or NCEA courses may be eligible.

Immediate approval may be available for students, or individuals financially responsible for the student, who receive a benefit from Work and Income or have a Community Services Card

What you can get

Students receiving extra help for a laptop and internet access will get:

Students enrolled through geographical isolation or itinerancy may be able to get an additional $30 per month.

How to apply

Please note that applications have closed for the year.

If you think you fit the requirements for laptop and internet assistance, please check back after January 6th, 2020.

If you are unable to apply online or have questions, don't hesitate to contact us 0800 65 99 88 (select option 1) to apply over the phone or ask for an application to be posted to you. Or you can email us at hub@tekura.school.nz.

Next steps

You will be told if your application has been approved or declined via email or letter.

Approved for laptop assistance

If you’re approved for a suitable device, it may take three to ten working days to organise deliverly with you.

Laptops and tablets are sent by courier and a signature is required for delivery. The courier will not leave the device at your address if there is nobody home to sign for it.

Approved for internet assistance

If you’re approved for internet access, Te Kura will pay you directly into your bank account.

If you don’t already have an internet connection to your home you will need to arrange a connection with your preferred provider. If you’re not sure what internet services are available in your area, check out glimp.

Applying for internet top-up

To apply for an internet top-up, email ruralsubsidy@tekura.school.nz or post a letter telling us how you meet the geographical isolation criteria. Your application will be reviewed and we’ll let you know the outcome.

Exceptional circumstances and review of decision

In exceptional circumstances, Te Kura may approve applications for students who do not meet the eligibility criteria.

To make an application, write to Te Kura’s Chief Executive explaining why you are unable to access a suitable device, internet, Community Services Card or beneficiary number. Please provide as many details as you can in your letter, including your name (or the name of the student you are writing on behalf of) and ID number.

Applications should be sent to:

Chief Executive
Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu
Private Bag 39992
Wellington Mail Centre
Lower Hutt 5045

Other help

You may be eligible to participate in one of the 20/20 Trust’s digital literacy programmes. Families without an internet connection and with children up to the age of 18 maybe able to get Spark Jump pre-pay broadband.

Families can register their interest in being part of a 20/20 programme by sending an email with their name and contact details to kristina.parbhu@2020.org.nz or by calling her on 0800 272 020 between 9am and 3pm on weekdays. Participants may be required to attend a half-day internet training session.

Learn more about Spark Jump pre-pay broadband.

Leaving Te Kura

Laptop and internet assistance are only available while you’re enrolled at Te Kura. When you withdraw from the role, we will arrange for the laptop to be returned and payments for internet access will be stopped.