Teenager bringing high-speed internet to Upper Hutt
A company run by a 16-year-old which has brought high-speed internet access to hundreds of households in the Hutt Valley that have been “forgotten" by the big telcos is expanding its services to other parts of the country in a bid to help more residents in isolated areas get connected.
Alex Stewart came up with the idea for his business, WombatNET, when he was 13 and staying at the remote settlement of Turakina Beach, near Whanganui. Older people would often ask the tech-savvy teenager for help with their digital devices, and he soon realised how many people in the area were grappling with the same problem – unreliable and slow internet access.
After doing some research, he discovered that while it was relatively straightforward to connect properties to the fixed wireless broadband network using radio waves transmitted by towers, large internet providers often seemed reluctant to do so because it could be more expensive than using cables. So Stewart decided to meet the need himself.
In early 2020, WombatNET put up its first tower on private land just outside Upper Hutt. Since then, the company has built another 10 around Mangaroa and Whitemans Valley.
With demand for the service growing quickly through online and social media marketing and word of mouth, and as more people began to work from home amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Stewart was struggling to juggle running a start-up with his school work.
Receive $100 Prezzy card — help us to test some online content
At my work, Write Limited, we’re testing some online content on behalf of a government department. We’re looking for a range of people to help us.
By taking part, you’d help to shine a light into important subjects that affect many New Zealanders. We can’t tell you what it’s about before you take part, as we don’t want to affect the results. But hopefully you’ll find it interesting!
We’re looking for people from any ethnic group, and any age from 18-65. Specifically, we’d love to talk to you if you’re interested in government projects that impact New Zealanders.
We’ll have a $100 Prezzy card for you as a small token of our thanks.
If you’re happy to be involved, email rebecca@write.co.nz to let us know why you’d participating, and your preferred day and time.
When: 13, 14, 15, 16, or 17 May between 9.00am and 4.00pm (or in the evening if that suits you better)
Test length: 1 hour
Where: Online (Zoom) or in-person at our offices on Lambton Quay. If you join us on Zoom, ideally you’re familiar with sharing screens.
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.4% Yes
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8.3% No
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0.3% Other - I'll share below!
Brooklyn ANZAC Day Service reminder
Brooklyn's ANZAC Day commemoration service will be held in the top grounds of Brooklyn School on Washington Avenue starting at 10:30am followed by morning tea at the Brooklyn Community Centre on Harrison Street. The laying of wreaths and playing of the last post takes place around midday at the war memorial on Sugarloaf Hill. Everybody welcome.
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