Five Ways New Zealanders are Embracing the Wave of Digital Evolution
To say that technology affects almost every aspect of our lives in 2024 would be an understatement. In fact, digital advancements are so integrated into New Zealand society that we hardly notice them anymore! From using Apple Pay for secure online transactions, to having all the documents you need to travel on your phone, New Zealanders have embraced all waves of digital evolution to become a tech-savvy nation that’s paving the way for other technophobe countries. Here are five ways Kiwis are embracing technology today.
1. Using Apple Pay For Online Casino Games
Love them or loathe them, online casino games have taken New Zealand by storm. However, with the need to input sensitive data and other important payment information, many Kiwis find it difficult to fully trust these platforms. This is where Apple Pay comes in.
For many, this form of payment was previously only used to avoid the hassle of having to take your physical cards out with you. However, for gambling fans, being able to deposit and withdraw using Apple Pay made these platforms not just a lot more convenient – but a lot safer, too; with end-to-end encryption and Touch ID or Face ID authentication, using Apple Pay payment at online casinos keeps transactions secure and safe from cyber-attacks. Whatever the reason, the introduction of Apple Pay for these platforms significantly changed the landscape for Kiwis who enjoy testing Lady Luck.
2. Integrating Digital Wallets into Everyday Life
As you stroll through your local coffee shop in Auckland or scan through your items at the grocery store, you might see that all-familiar ‘contactless accepted here’ sign. This is because digital wallets have well and truly integrated themselves into everyday Kiwi life.
And this digital payment method isn’t limited to just brick-and-mortar establishments either. Online markets and popular gaming platforms are also harnessing the power of contactless payments. The benefits? No more need for physical cards, no long waiting in queues and increased control over our finances with the ability to more closely monitor what’s going in and out of our accounts.
3. Taking Advantage of Technology for Travel
Technology is undoubtedly the main character when it comes to new ways of travel – which is especially interesting given just how much Kiwis love to hop on a plane and discover what else is waiting for them abroad. For New Zealanders who love to travel, mobile phones have become the ultimate travelling partner; a tour guide, map, travel agency and of course, locator of the best restaurants, there’s not much you can’t do on your phone when you’re travelling the world.
Perhaps unsurprisingly then, TripAdvisor has said that 45% of users use their smartphone for everything having to do with their holiday, which includes boarding and tracking their flight. There’s no need to print anything anymore when you can download your boarding pass directly into your digital wallet (another great advantage) and also track your flight from the palm of your hand!
4. Accessing Digital Resources Beyond Library Walls
Even though the digital revolution continues to put more of our lives online, libraries still provide an all-important public resource; they provide educational materials for those who need them, enable communities to meet and connect in a quiet environment and even act as a space for migrants who have recently come to the area.
Given the importance of libraries, the move of many of their resources into the digital realm has meant that even more people can take advantage of what they can offer. Auckland City Libraries, for example, offers a range of digital services, such as eBooks and music streaming, to meet the evolving needs of the community. Members can also check their library account, pay late fines and extend their loan period through their digital devices.
5. Using Gaming for Educational Purposes
Digital games, like those played on computers, game systems, televisions or mobile devices, have well and truly infiltrated Kiwi life. However, aside from some great entertainment, these games can also provide players with educational benefits, too. Strategy games, for example, have been proven to improve problem-solving skills and cognitive function.
The engaging learning environment that players enter allows them to interact with game mechanics in new ways. One concrete example is teachers using online simulations to teach kids about flu epidemic outbreaks; students can see virtual communities get “infected” and explore the evolution of an outbreak – including which protective measures could have been taken. These games help school children learn concepts in ways they previously wouldn’t have been able to before these technologies were brought in.
In 2024, we’re more reliant on technology than ever. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Instead, being able to confidently use all these innovative new systems enables Kiwis to enjoy life in ways that are more convenient, accessible, and never-before-seen in the nation.
