A 21-million-dollar Government investment will connect marae to the internet, and create regional digital hubs

Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says living in rural and Maori communities has become more of a challenge - because internet connections are essential.

Jones says as the Government creates opportunities in the regions, it will bring young people back to marae by rolling out what's taken for granted in metropolitan centres.

He says they don't want to learn people have all gone to Australia, and their children sound like Aussies.

He wants people to to commit to living in rural New Zealand.