Digital Natives Academy (DNA), based in Rotorua, has secured international funding to deliver a groundbreaking tech training programme for young people, putting the city on the global map for digital leadership.

DNA, an award winning non-profit, is one of only 23 organisations worldwide, and the sole recipient from Aotearoa and the Pacific to receive funding through the inaugural ICANN Grant Program.

ICANN is a non-profit public benefit corporation established in 1998. Its mission is to ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet by coordinating the allocation and management of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, domain names, and protocol parameters.

“This programme is the first of its kind. An accredited, Indigenous-designed course that teaches young leaders how the internet works behind the scenes, covering everything from DNS and IP addressing to Internet governance and data sovereignty,” says DNA co-founder Nikolasa Biasiny-Tule.

“It is a huge opportunity for Rotorua and our rangatahi.”

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell says DNA’s award success highlights the city’s growing reputation for innovation and forward-thinking leadership.

We’re incredibly proud that our local Digital Natives Academy has been recognised through this international grant,” she says. “The Academy is delivering a world-class programmes, created and made available right here in Rotorua.”

The programme development will be supported by industry and community experts, with InternetNZ and the Spark Foundation contributing their knowledge and experience in this space. It will give students the chance to explore critical internet systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and governance frameworks through a unique and holistic lens.

Mayor Tapsell adds that this kind of opportunity is vital in today’s tech-driven world.

“Considering how central tech is to our lives these days, this is such a valuable learning opportunity for our rangatahi.”

The course also addresses growing calls for Māori leadership in digital spaces, ensuring local voices are part of global decisions about data, infrastructure, and digital futures.

“We’re creating pathways into tech careers and global leadership for young people who have been,” says Biasiny-Tule. “This is not just about delivering an accredited programme. It’s about preparing young people to lead. We are helping build the next generation of technologists, bold thinkers, and internet architects.”

Mayor Tapsell says it’s exciting to see Rotorua’s reputation as a hub for tech education continue to grow.

“We congratulate the DNA team on this significant achievement and thank them for their dedication to our local young people. We can’t wait to see what new opportunities this funding will unlock.”

Benefits for Rotorua include upskilling local youth, building a future-ready workforce, and reinforcing the city’s reputation for leadership in tech innovation.

Programme development runs through 2025 and includes NZQA accreditation and curriculum testing. Delivery will begin in 2026.