Today's press release:

 

From 16 February 2026, eligible Southland households can access 100/20 Mbps fibre for $30 per month through Whānau Link, a community programme from local IT company Prodigi. The service is delivered via Chorus’s Equity Fibre service and supports families who have gone without broadband due to cost.

 

Dan Faulknor, Owner and Principal Consultant at Prodigi, said: "We have seen firsthand how quickly a connection changes things in a home. Whānau Link is about making reliable fibre affordable for Southland families who need it and keeping the process simple so people can get connected with minimum fuss."

 

In Aotearoa, internet access is essential. Students rely on it to connect with their schools. Most job opportunities are found online. Services such as banking, medical bookings, and government appointments now require a connection, or at least greatly benefit from one.

 

For many households, however, the cost of broadband puts these essentials out of reach. This can create added stress, higher travel costs, lost time, and further pressure on families already doing it tough.
Whānau Link aims to help close that gap. The programme rolls out affordable fibre broadband to households that need it most, with simple setup, low pricing, and a focus on getting people connected rather than turning a profit.

 

Whānau Link offers affordable fibre for everyday use, including homework, job searching, streaming, and video calls.

 

• Plan: 100/20 Mbps fibre
• Price: $30 per month (or $7 per week) - less than half the price of the equivalent publicly available plan
• Router option: $2.50 per month (or $0.50 per week). Households may supply their own router if they prefer.

 

The focus is on simplicity, reliability, and affordability.

 

Whānau Link launches with a strong focus on Invercargill and surrounding communities, working alongside local schools and community services to reach eligible families. The service is also available across Chorus’s coverage area.

 

To qualify, households must meet one of the following:

 

• A Chorus ONT (fibre connection point) is already installed at the property, with no active broadband connection for at least three months
• The household meets Chorus’s hardship criteria for Equity Fibre, assessed on a case by case basis

 

In addition, the household must:
• Have a student at a qualifying school, or be a Kāinga Ora property
• Have a household member who holds a Community Services Card, or who is receiving a government benefit

 

Qualifying schools include:

 

Aurora College
Ascot Community School
New River Primary School
Fernworth Primary School
Newfield Park School
Bluff School
St Patrick’s School, Nightcaps
St Teresa’s School, Bluff
Te Tipua School
Waverley Park School
Te Wharekura o Arowhenua
Invercargill Activity Centre

 

The impact of connection is often immediate. At a recent installation, a young student squealed with joy after learning that internet was being set up at their home. It meant schoolwork could happen more easily and brought the simple relief of watching favourite videos without constant interruptions.

 

These moments show what access can unlock. It can help children learn, help parents stay informed, and give back time to families affected by a real gap in access.

 

Whānau Link relies on local networks to spread the word. Schools, community groups, media, and organisations are encouraged to share this information with families who may benefit. Community awareness and support remain key to the programme’s continued success.

 

Physical advertising materials are available for distribution, and digital copies can be provided for newsletters and social media.

 

Families can check eligibility and sign up at whanaulink.nz or by calling 0800 GET NET (0800 438 638).