Patariki and Aroha face numerous digital inclusion challenges that prevent them from transforming their business digitally and achieving positive outcomes.

The Challenges

Patariki (57) and Aroha (62) Rihari own a small coffee cart business based in Moeraki, Otago. Patariki operates the cart while he undertakes restoration work at Katigi Point, a popular tourist destination remotely located on the Moeraki peninsula. The cart is cash only as there is unreliable mobile reception and no accessible internet, making a mobile EFT-POS system challenging. Aroha also makes stencil cut outs that she sells through the cart. She has considered selling them online but is hesitant as she does not feel comfortable working with technology, a trait shared by Patariki.

Aroha was previously the victim of an online scam where she lost over $700, hence her reluctance to use a digital platform. Aroha was recently informed that her job will be made redundant as a result of COVID-19, meaning they will be relying on income from the cart to sustain their livelihood. They currently have a mortgage and are concerned how they will continue to make payments when Aroha is made redundant.

Patariki and Aroha are active leaders within the Moeraki Māori community, having hosted te reo Māori wānanga with whānau for the last 10 years. Last year they expanded their wānanga to include financial literacy for rangatahi and have recently received funding from Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu to host a series of wairua ora (spiritual wellbeing) wānanga for whānau. Patariki and Aroha are concerned that if they are unable to meet their mortgage repayments that they will need to sell their house and relocate. An outcome that would deprive their community of the activities that have brought whānau together over the past 10 years.