Zero Data initiative: free Government web data for users of mobile phones

For many New Zealanders, especially those on low incomes, mobile devices such as a phone or tablet is their only way of accessing information or services on the web.

This means the cost of mobile data can be a barrier. When you have no data, you have no means to access government web sites. As the Government moves to digital communications as its primary communications means this puts those with limited access at a serious disadvantage.

Yet, those who have limited ways of accessing information and services on the web often also have the highest need to do so.

Zero Data removes this barrier by providing free access to selected essential online public information and services for anyone using the Spark, Skinny, One NZ, 2degrees, Slingshot, or Orcon mobile networks.

All mobile data charges for accessing these websites are charged to participating government agencies instead of the consumer.

To access these websites on your phone or mobile device, please visit: zero.govt.nz(external link)

Note: most website pages will be free, but a few will not be, such as online payment pages. 

FAQS

How do I get free – Zero Data?

You need to use a mobile device, phone or tablet, that is connected to the Spark, Skinny, One NZ, 2Degrees, Slingshot or Orcon network, and make sure your mobile data is turned on. Then put zero.govt.nz(external link) into a web browser on your mobile device.

This will take you to a homepage lists all the government agencies currently participating in the Zero Data initiative. Simply click/tap on the tile of any agency to bring up the website or websites the agency sponsors. Then click/tap on the website you want to visit

Your mobile data will not be used when visiting sponsored websites through zero.govt.nz(external link). You will be able to tell you are on Zero Data because the URL will say portal.zero.govt.nz.

Which government agencies provide free - Zero Data?

Who can access Zero Data websites?

Zero Data is available for anyone using a mobile device connected to the Spark, Skinny, One NZ, 2Degrees, Slingshot or Orcon networks, whether you are on prepay or have a monthly plan.

When is Zero Data is not available?

  • your device is set to global roaming
  • you are using a mobile network outside of New Zealand
  • your mobile plan is with Warehouse Mobile, CallPlus, Compass, Black + White, M2 or any other non-participating provider.

Can I access Zero Data from a broadband/fibre connection?

No. Zero Data is only available for mobile devices (phone or tablet) connected to the Spark, Skinny, One NZ, 2Degrees, Slingshot or Orcon networks.

Zero Data is not available for anyone using a broadband/fibre connection (For example, if your mobile device is connected to your home internet plan via WiFi).

Broadband/fibre users can still visit sponsored websites through the Zero Data homepage, but will need to use their own data. You will need to use your own data under the terms and conditions of your broadband/fibre plan.

Why is Zero Data only available for mobile devices?

For many New Zealanders, a mobile device (phone or tablet) is their only way of accessing digital information or services and the cost of mobile data can be a barrier. People who have limited ways of accessing information and services often also have the highest or most frequent need to do so. During an event, such as the COVID lockdowns, mobile data may be the only channel for some services.

Mobile data, either as part of a cellular service or a pay-as-you-go plan, costs money. Unless you have an unlimited data plan, the more data you use, the more you pay.

If I use Zero Data is my privacy protected?

No directly identifiable information of users will be recorded or stored. While the IP Address will be captured, along with browser type and other non-personal, technical details of the device, this information will not be associated to any other information to enable the identification of the individual user.

While IP addresses can be considered personal identifiable information, in this instance, the capturing of the IP address on its own is not enough to identify a particular individual.

It is not intended to do device fingerprinting to the extent where the device or the individual using it, can be uniquely identified. The proxy will not cache or hold any information relating to a user’s log in credentials as per the Public Records Act 2005(external link).

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