An iwi broadband company backed by Chinese investors celebrates a milestone on Wednesday.
Taitokerau Networks Ltd is marking the second stage of its project - laying fibre-optic cable the length of Northland.
It's using a ko,a traditional digging tool, for a turf-turning ceremony at Puatahi Marae on the shores of Kaipara Harbour.
A Chinese broadband company is backing the $8 million venture by Ngati Whatua, Te Rarawa, and Te Runanga o Whaingaroa.
The iwi company aims to provide high speed broadband to remote communities throughout Tai Tokerau.
It's partnered with Wellington telco Datalight and has already laid 4km of cable, from Wellsford to Maungaturoto, in the first stage of a 200km link from Auckland to Whangarei.
