School Wi-Fi
We’re extending the Managed Network into classrooms across Aotearoa, so we can help protect and support school internet connection every step of the way, which means better Wi-Fi throughout your schools and kura.
This is part of the Ministry of Education’s Te Mana Tūhono programme to upgrade school network equipment by 2027 – giving ākonga a safer, more seamless Wi-Fi experience and allowing our Customer Support team to provide greater assistance on network issues.
For schools enrolled into the Te Mana Tūhono programme, your Wi-Fi upgrade will be completed in 3 phases.
Equipment Support (Phase 1)
We provide extended warranty support to ensure your switches and wireless equipment continue to run smoothly until your equipment can be replaced as part of the upgrade. It means in the event your equipment fails before it’s been upgraded, we’ll either fix or replace it. And if your school has Ruckus equipment, the existing wireless controller in your school will be removed and replaced with a cloud-based controller.
Equipment Replacement (Phase 2)
We’re future-proofing your school’s network by designing it with you and replacing the equipment with next-generation wireless technology to give your ākonga a more seamless Wi-Fi experience. Our Customer Support team will then be able to provide greater assistance to your school, including support on internal network performance and the ability to troubleshoot issues remotely.
Secure Access (Phase 3)
We’re making your school’s Wi-Fi more secure by ensuring every user and device accessing your network is authorised to do so – allowing you to manage who can access the network and what they’re able to do when they’re using it. This will also help to improve the security of your school’s internal network. Learn more about Secure Access here.
For schools that would like to enrol into Equipment Support due to a ZoneDirector failure, please call our Customer Support team on 0800 LEARNING (532 764).
The level of support we’re able to offer improves as we learn more about your school’s network. As you progress through each phase of the upgrade, from SNUP Helpdesk through to Secure Access, our ability to better determine what might be happening with your network increases. As we navigate this process you should have peace of mind knowing that we’re here to help throughout the journey.
If you need support for your school network equipment or Wi-Fi, our Customer Support hours are Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm.
How will I know when it’s time for my Equipment Replacement?
Your school will receive a heads up email when it’s time for the Equipment Replacement process to begin, and your School Relationship Manager will then be in touch to schedule a visit. We will work with you throughout the process to ensure that the upgrade goes according to plan for your school.
To find out more about the journey involved, click here.
FAQs
How does upgrading the Wi-Fi network relate to the Ministry of Education’s Te Mana Tūhono programme?
We’re delivering the Ministry of Education’s Te Mana Tūhono programme, which provides long-term IT support to schools. If your school has opted-in to Te Mana Tūhono, N4L will then begin the process of upgrading their school’s Wi-Fi network. More information on the Ministry of Education’s Te Mana Tūhono can be found on their webpage.
Which schools are eligible?
State and State-Integrated schools and kura are eligible to have their Wi-Fi network upgraded if they’ve opted-in to the Ministry’s Te Mana Tūhono programme. Schools that are hosted (such as Teen Parent Units, Satellites, Te Kura Sites, Sensory Schools and Health Schools) are also eligible and will be included as part of the host school.
Will there be a cost to my school?
Schools are required to make a contribution of $2.50 per student per year to be a part of the Te Mana Tūhono programme, which is payable directly to the Ministry. The Ministry is heavily subsidising the new equipment, as well as its ongoing management and maintenance.
From 1 January 2024, schools can choose to self-fund entry into the Te Mana Tūhuno Equipment Support programme if their ZoneDirector fails by covering the one-off onboarding cost on top of their $2.50 contribution.
If schools engage their own IT provider throughout the upgrade process, any associated cost will need to be covered by the school. N4L’s Customer Support team is part of our Managed Network service and will remain fully funded for schools.
Have questions?
Dive deeper into the upgrade and process with our helpful articles and FAQs on Support Hub.
Adding extra equipment
Before you’re upgraded, you can purchase extra Wi-Fi equipment to extend or improve your network.
Want to get technical?
Find out more about the technical aspects of the upgrade, including info about suppliers and equipment.