Smart Newtown
What we do
Your local friendly computer lab and tech-support centre!
Smart Newtown is a free computer and internet hub, right in the heart of Newtown! We provide a safe and friendly place to practice computing and browse the internet.
Technology can be daunting and confusing, and by sharing knowledge we can make it accessible to everyone. Sounds pretty good, right?
Our staff and volunteers come from many different backgrounds, but we all have a shared passion for helping people use technology. We offer free tech support for computers and mobile devices, help with documents like CVs and cover letters, and inexpensive printing and laminating services. We are always happy to offer guidance for tech questions big or small.
We also run free classes every season, as well as talks and workshops on popular topics. We’re working with community groups across the city to bring digital skills to where they’re needed most.
Smart Newtown is a project of Te Whare Hapori o Nga Puna Waiora and can be found on Level 2, Newtown Community Centre, the corner of Rintoul and Columbo Streets, Newtown.
Our classes
Smart Newtown runs free computer classes every quarter.
Whether you’re entirely new to computing or a returning user in need of a refresher, come and check out our free computer classes! Our classes are 2-hour standalone sessions, with computers provided, and are designed for students of a wide range of experience levels. Our staff and volunteers have recently taught classes the following subjects, with many more classes in the works:
- Creating a CV
- Internet Safety
- Intro to Applications
- Intro to Emails
- Intro to Online Banking
- Intro to Smartphones
- Intro to Spreadsheets
- Setting up an Email Address
- Using Google
- Using Manage My Health
- Using Trade Me
- Using Zoom
Smart Newtown’s next season of classes will begin in March 2026. Class topics and dates can be found here once they have been finalised. To be contacted about the next round of classes, join our mailing list using the button below, or reach out to us using our contact methods at the bottom of this page!
Volunteer for Smart Newtown
Smart Newtown couldn’t exist without its team of dedicated volunteers.
If you like computing and enjoy helping others, we could use your help! Our volunteers make it possible for us to bring computer literacy and accessibility to those who need it most.
We’re looking for people who are:
- Friendly, organised, empathetic, patient, and professional
- Knowledgeable about computers and mobile devices
- Enthusiastic about helping those in need
We have need of volunteers for 2-hour helpdesk sessions on weekday afternoons 12:30pm to 2:30pm, as well as teaching assistants for 2-hour computer classes every quarter (class times vary, but usually mid-afternoon or evening).
Tech support experience is not required. If you are friendly and good with computers, please get in touch!
Skinny Jump
Smart Newtown is proud to be a Skinny Jump distributor. Skinny Jump is a low-cost home internet solution for eligible Kiwi homes.
If you need internet at home and can’t access an unlimited broadband plan from a service provider, Skinny Jump may be right for you! You’ll get high-speed internet for between $0.00 and $30.00 per month, depending on how much data you need.
If one or more of the following sounds like you, please reach out to us to see if Skinny Jump will work for you:
- Families with children
- Job seekers
- Seniors
- People with disabilities
- Refugees and migrant communities
- Those in social housing
You will also need to be within Skinny Jump’s service area, which varies depending on the current number of Skinny Jump users. Check your availability here: https://www.skinny.co.nz/jump/home#availability
Skinny Jump modems are limited by stock availability. Contact us on
04 380 0143 or using the button below to see the current wait time, if any.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Smart Newtown?
Smart Newtown recently moved into a fresh new space on Level 2, inside the Newtown Community Centre on the Corner of Rintoul and Columbo Streets, Newtown.
When is Smart Newtown open?
Smart Newtown’s computer hub is open Monday to Friday, 10:30am-4:30pm. We have a dedicated 2-hour window for tech support helpdesk between 12:30pm and 2:30pm, during which time we have additional staff on hand for tech support; there may be a longer wait time for tech support outside of this window.
Smart Newtown is closed on weekends and public holidays.
How can I use your computer hub?
Smart Newtown offers our bank of computers with free internet access, preloaded with a range of office software. We ask users to keep noise to a minimum, so it’s the perfect quiet nook for browsing the web or working on documents! Visit us between 10:30am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, to check out our computer hub.
Is your computer hub private?
Our computer hub is a shared space and may be occupied by other users. However, we treat computer privacy seriously and our computers are reset to a pre-made save state after each user is finished.
How much does it cost?
Smart Newtown’s services are free, except for the material cost of printing and laminating. Our computer hub is free to use and our classes and workshops are free to attend.
What printing or laminating services do you offer?
Smart Newtown’s offers laser printing up to A4 and laminating up to A3.
PRINTING:
- A4, single-sided, black and white @ $0.20 per page
- A4, double-sided, black and white @ $0.30 per page
- A4, single-sided, full colour @ $1.00 per page
- A4, double-sided, full colour @ $1.50 per page
LAMINATING:
- A4 @ $1.00 per page
- A3 @ $2.00 per page
When is your next computer class?
Smart Newtown runs classes four times a year, but due to the availability of the classrooms our class schedule is not finalised until around a month before each round of classes begin. Join our mailing list here to be notified about our next round of classes.
How can I volunteer?
If you are tech-savvy and passionate about helping others, Smart Newtown could use your help! Our daily tech-support helpdesk sessions are made possible by the hard work of our volunteer team, and our computer classes are run by experienced teachers and volunteer teaching assistants.
Apply here to join our volunteer team.
Venue hire
Te Whare Hapori o Ngā Puna Waiora / Newtown Community Centre is based in the centre of Newtown, on the corner of Colombo and Rintoul Streets, as well as operating other venues around the suburb. With seven affordable venues, with different capacity, style and function, we can provide the perfect space for your community event, party, class, hui or much more!
Book a venue