Aotearoa People's Network Kaharoa
# Aotearoa People's Network Kaharoa

Aotearoa People's Network Kaharoa provides free internet access to public libraries in New Zealand (Māori: Aotearoa). Funding is provided by the New Zealand Government by way of the Community Partnership Fund and the National Library of New Zealand. The service, established in 2007, is based in the Christchurch office of the National Library. It is governed by a Governance Group which has included people such as Paul Reynolds.

The network supplies and maintains desktop computers and WiFi equipment at around 120 partner libraries, and provides them with filtered internet access in conjunction with internet service provider Snap. As of 2009, all partner libraries receive the equipment and access at no cost, although the APNK governance group periodically reviews funding arrangements.

In October 2009, Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa won the 3M Award for Innovation in Libraries.

In October 2010, Aotearoa People’'s Network Kaharoa won "Best Access Initiative 2010" from the Australia and New Zealand Internet Best Practice Awards.

The Māori term kaharoa expresses the idea of a large net.

