From the Blog

Stories, updates & tips to keep you informed

Why small internet providers like us are being held back

17 June 2025

At WiFiConnect, we work hard to bring internet connectivity to rural and regional parts of New Zealand, places the big players often overlook.

We recently came across a write-up by Mike at The Connectivity Group that really resonated with us. It highlights...

Promotional banner for Switch & Save

Fibre is Here - Switch & Save!

9 April 2025

Kia ora WiFiConnect whānau,

We're making it easier than ever to experience ultra-fast, reliable broadband with our Switch & Save Promotion! If you're currently on our wireless broadband, now is the perfect time to upgrade to fibre and enjoy even better connectivity. We'll give you $60 account credit for switching - that's one month of savings on our most popular plan, on us.

Updated Terms & Conditions

12 March 2025

Important Updates to Our Terms & Conditions - Here's What You Need to Know

At WiFiConnect, we're constantly working to improve our services and ensure we meet your needs. As part of this effort, we've recently updated our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy to keep you informed about important changes that may affect your account and our services.

Te Aka Toitū Trust, WiFiConnect and Eastern Bay of Plenty communities

21 September 2022

Te Aka Toitū Trust works with communities in the Eastern Bay of Plenty to get students connected and engaged in learning online. The trust has worked with provider WiFiConnect and the local community to deliver affordable, high-quality internet to Murupara, Minginui, Ruatāhuna and nearby areas.
- Education Gazette

Good news! New funding to cover Southern Bay of Plenty/Southern Waikato areas

24 February 2022

As part of the government's Rural Capacity Upgrade initiative, we have contracted with Crown Infrastructure Partners to carry out new and upgrade work in the Southern Bay of Plenty/Southern Waikato areas.

Read Minister Clark's announcement from yesterday

Image of WiFiConnect Director, Ivan Lomax, next to a WiFi repeater in Tokomaru Bay

Tairawhiti internet firms working for the Govt... and rugby fans

11 March 2019

"A pair of East Coast internet providers are playing key roles in the Government’s broadband roll-out, showing size and location are no barriers to success — while also ensuring isolated rural communities do not miss out on the new way the Rugby World...

Ivan Lomax at Tolaga Bay school

At WiFiConnect Its All About The Kids

4 March 2019

Ernie Newman from Wispa NZ met with us recently to profile WiFiConnect, and the work we have done.

Checkout the article on WISPA providers.

Announcement: WiFiConnect have secured Government funding

19 December 2018

WiFiConnect Ltd is proud to announce we have been successful in securing funding from the Government to extend our Networks in the Eastern Bay of Plenty and in South Westland.

Seven Sharp - NZ's most remote residents connected by pioneer mini web providers

Where the big networks just don't reach

3 April 2018

WiFiConnect is one of many small operators providing wireless internet in rural areas.

"Fast broadband, just like what the townies have."

Checkout the Seven Sharp clip on WISPA providers.

The chopper in action

What does it look like, getting our rural communities online?

16 October 2017

Our guys have been working hard down south deploying new repeaters on Mt French overlooking Greymouth and Hokitika districts and also at the top of Big Paddock Rd overlooking Arahura, Hokitika and through to Ross.

Cheryl Smeaton (WestREAP) and Ivan Lomax (WiFiConnect Ltd)

Rolling out self-help wifi project

22 March 2017

A DIY broadband initiative set up in Bruce Bay to tap into unused fibre optic signal from schools, is now being rolled out in Hokitika.

WiFiConnect features in the Greymouth Star

28 January 2017

Image of Minginui fire station

TUANZ Newsletter: Where's Minginui you say?

16 August 2016

We are hugely supportive of the RBI programme that delivered fibre to the vast majority of schools in rural New Zealand.

Ivan Lomax - Bridging the Digital Divide

8 November 2015

Ivan Lomax is a co-founder and director of WiFiConnect, the start-up ISP aiming to provide internet service to eastern Bay of Plenty where one in three families lack access to the internet.

Listen to the interview by Radio New Zealand

Snapshot image of Te Karere video

Affordable internet is rolled out to homes on the East Coast

26 October 2015

Unlimited broadband as cheap as chips in rural areas? Impossible right? No.

Image of Tolaga Bay sign

School hooks up neighbours with UFB

10 September 2015

An isolated kura on the East Coast of the North Island is to share its ultra-fast broadband with the community at a reduced cost, as part of the government's drive to improve broadband internet access.

Read the article by Radio New Zealand