Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media Minister Kris Faafoi says the regions are leading the way in up taking ultra-fast broadband.

The latest quarterly connectivity update released today shows that 75 per cent of New Zealand's population can now access faster, more reliable broadband, which is close to 1.5 million homes and businesses across the country.

'Regional uptake of this technology is strong, with towns and cities such as Hamilton, Waiuku and Waipū among the top centres for UFB connections,” says Kris.

In Hamilton, where Kris is today attending Fieldays, 60.3 per cent of homes and businessesare connected to ultra-fast broadband.

'The primary sector is increasingly utilising digital technology, so the ability to connect to faster, more reliable broadband can make a huge difference,” says Kris.

The deployment of the ultra-fast broadband programme is now 79 per cent complete, as it is available in 70 towns and cities across New Zealand.

When ultra-fast broadband infrastructure is fully deployed by the end of 2022, people in more than 390 towns and cities will be able to connect to the country's fibre network and enjoy the benefits of this technology.

In addition, when the rural broadband initiative phase two/mobile black spot fund is completed by 2023, 99.8% of the New Zealand population will have access to broadband.