Smart Newtown

31/08/2026

Smart Newtown is running FREE computer classes in September and October! This season we're focusing on Microsoft apps; ideal for those wanting to get organised at home or those upskilling into office work!

Sign up for our free standalone classes here:
https://diaa.arlo.co/w/upcoming/location-smart-newtown

06/08/2026

03/06/2026

This afternoon Kevin and Edie got a chance to sit down with Jude from 'Catching up with Community' on Wellington Access Radio 106.1FM to talk all things Smart Newtown 🩵

Listen to the full episode here: accessradio.org.nz/shows-podcasts/catching-up-with-community

Massive thank you to Jude and Community Networks Wellington for this platform to share just how important Smart Newtown's services are for digital inclusion in our communities. Kevin, Andy and our volunteers help people with everything from government forms to job applications to learning computer basics and much more. Access to technology is a basic right in this increasingly online world!

If you want to help and show your support you can email [email protected] to advocate for the continued funding for Smart Newtown 🩵

28/05/2026

Last week Anna presented to the Wellington City Council Grants Subcommittee to appeal the recommendation that we lose the entirety of our funding for Smart Newtown. Her kōrero really hammered home the necessity of spaces like Smart Newtown in our communities - so much so that we want to share her words here as well.

Smart Newtown is an essential service that so many in our community rely on! Digital inclusion and accessible technology is so crucial in this day and age!

We didn’t have time to read out the Smart Newtown stories that so many of you shared with us, but we are still providing them to the Grants Subcommittee as supporting documentation. You can read this full document here:
bit.ly/smartnewtownsupport

If you want to make your voice heard and show you support for the ongoing funding of Smart Newtown, you can email the councillors on the committee at: [email protected]

20/05/2026

Thank you so much for the massive outpouring of love we received for Smart Newtown! In only a couple of days we've already received over 45 stories sharing the many different ways that Smart Newtown have helped people in our community. You can read some of those stories here 🩵

We are taking these stories to the WCC Grant Subcommittee meeting tomorrow to make the case for Smart Newtown's ongoing funding. In the mean time, there is something else you can do!

If you want to help us keep Smart Newtown going, tell your councillors! You can email them your stories of support at: [email protected]

18/05/2026

Help us keep Smart Newtown alive! Share your stories:
https://forms.office.com/r/70VQMLsPpt

17/05/2026

Kia ora everyone, this is Kevin from Smart Newtown.
I've got some sad and unexpected news.

Firstly, I should say that the following information will not disrupt the free computer classes Smart Newtown is hosting in June and July. You can still register for classes here: https://diaa.arlo.co/w/upcoming/location-smart-newtown

The news:

Last week we received some sad news about our funding. The funding team at the Wellington City Council has recommended that the WCC Grant Subcommittee not renew Smart Newtown's funding from the upcoming financial period.

Smart Newtown has been funded by the Wellington City Council since 2009 and has been a staple of Newtown and the south Wellington community at large. We're proud to be the only permanent technology-focused community space in Wellington and we hope to be able to continue providing free computer services and improved tech literacy for everyone.

If you have enjoyed our services, you can help us with our appeal to the WCC and our search for sponsors by sharing this post or by telling us your Smart Newtown stories and feedback!

You can reply to this post on Facebook or fill out our digital feedback form here: https://forms.office.com/r/70VQMLsPpt

I'll be posting some anonymous feedback to this page and the Newtown Community Centre page over the coming days.

Thank you for helping us get the word out. ❤️

Ngā mihi nui

Kevin Bicknell

13/05/2026

Kia ora everyone!

Smart Newtown has free computer classes available in June and July, with some old favourites and some brand new classes I've written.

Check the dates and times and register for classes using the QR code, or by emailing me at [email protected]

I look forward to seeing you there!

Kevin :)

20/04/2026

Smart Newtown is open today!

But JP services for Newtown Community Centre have been cancelled.