With the rollout of ultra-fast broadband in Tauranga complete, more homes and businesses now have faster and more reliable internet access.

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges says 41 per cent of homes and businesses are connected which is well above the national average of 33.3 per cent and is the second highest uptake rate in the country.

'It's great to see the number of households, business, schools and hospitals connected to UFB in Tauranga has increased to 24,376.”

Nationally, the number of households, business, schools and hospitals connected to UFB has increased 12 per cent in the past three months to 367,788.

In Tauranga, the government has invested more than $57.5 million on the UFB build, which Simon says in invaluable to how we learn and do business.

'It is great that so many people are accessing faster and more reliable internet. The fact that so many people have access to UFB is great for Tauranga, as it adds another dimension to how our children learn at schools and how productive people can be at home or at work.

'Improved connectivity is hugely valuable for growing our regional economy and driving innovation.”

Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller is also thrilled to see so many Bay locals connecting to fibre and making the most of the government's $57.5m investment, and says the positive feedback he's received from the community is overwhelming

'Ranging from businesses who are now able to compete globally, grandparents who are able to skype their family on the other side of the world, to the occasional teenager who is quick to point out that their online gaming has been thoroughly improved.”

Alongside the UFB programme, the Government's Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) is continuing to deliver faster broadband to priority users and rural communities outside of UFB areas.

'The Government is investing approximately $2 billion in UFB and RBI programmes which will allow 85 per cent of New Zealanders to access UFB by the end of 2024, and provide vastly improved broadband in New Zealand's rural communities.

'The uptake means more locals will be better connected, and able to reap the benefits of a world-class broadband service,” says Mr Muller concluded.

More information about the government's UFB and RBI programmes, visit www.broadband.govt.nz