Kordia, in partnership with Tait Communications, has been selected by the New Zealand Government to deliver a key part of its new Public Safety Network, a secure digital radio communications network that will provide frontline emergency responders with a mission critical and highly available communications system.

It will provide critical communications for New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, St John Ambulance and Wellington Free Ambulance and includes scope to add new government users over time.

The overall Public Safety Network is estimated to be worth NZ$1.4 billion to build and operate over 10 years.

Shaun Rendell, CEO of Kordia, says, “Kordia is immensely proud to have been selected, alongside our partner Tait Communications, to deliver this important part of the new Public Safety Network."

Rendell says that Kordia has long been the trusted partner to deliver critical connectivity solutions, including broadcast and safety of life communications, to some of New Zealand’s most important public and private organisations.

He says, “Our unique experience in building, designing, maintaining, and operating specialist networks in New Zealand means we’re well versed in how to deliver solutions of this critical importance and magnitude. We’re thrilled to be able to apply our expertise to this nationally significant project, that will benefit the emergency services and all New Zealanders, now and in the future.”

Kordia states the company will draw on many different parts of its business to deliver the project - from its engineers and architects, who will design and build the network, through to its cyber security division, who will work to ensure the new network is secure by design.

Kordia’s in-house field services team will be responsible for the installation of infrastructure, as well as maintenance of over 450 sites. In addition, Kordia’s Network Operations Centres will monitor the network infrastructure 24/7 to ensure best performance.

Rendell says Kordia is very pleased to be partnering with another New Zealand owned business, Tait Communications, to work on this critical infrastructure project.

He says, “Tait share our in-depth understanding of critical communications ecosystems, as well as a commitment to working collaboratively with customers to provide innovative solutions that will make a tangible difference in enhancing emergency services’ frontline communications. We’re looking forward to working in partnership with Tait as this project progresses.”

The joint venture company’s partner chief executives, Rendell and Dr Yoram Benit of Tait Communications, commented that each company brings complementary skills to their partnership, with Kordia’s expertise in building, designing, maintaining, and operating specialist networks and Tait’s in critical communications terminals and network equipment, software and services.

Tait Communications is a Christchurch-headquartered critical communications-solutions business with offices around the world, and undertakes its research and development and manufacturing in New Zealand.

Kordia, a New Zealand State Owned Enterprise, is a provider of innovative technology solutions to a wide range of corporate and government clients throughout New Zealand, Australia, and the wider Pacific. With more than 65 years’ experience, Kordia’s offering in the mission-critical technology space spans connectivity, cloud, cyber security, modern workplace, media, broadcast, maritime, and more.