New $1.6 billion digital radio network for NZ emergency services rolls out amid delays
Installation of a nationwide digital radio system for police, ambulance and fire crews is underway, but more than half of the required relay sites are still pending.
The $1.6 billion Public Safety Network is being installed to unify police, ambulance and fire communications across New Zealand. Installers like Rob Hardgrave of Novacomm are retrofitting dozens of Wellington Free Ambulance vans with new antennas and handsets that can switch between regional zones such as Wellington, South Island and Taranaki. Ambulance operations manager Eric Tibbott says the upgrade is critical for saving lives and expects the system to be among the world’s best.
Main contractor Tait Systems reports that out of 500 planned relay sites, 351 have been secured, 187 tested and 40 are under construction, but site-specific challenges have slowed progress. The network uses microwave links and longer-lasting batteries to improve performance during disasters like Cyclone Gabrielle. Canterbury is slated to be the first region to go live, with full national coverage targeted for 2028.
Why it matters
A reliable, encrypted communications network can dramatically improve emergency response and disaster resilience nationwide.
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