NZ New Public Safety Radio Network Deployment Powers Ahead with Critical Vehicle Upgrades

Nationwide installations ensure emergency services are equipped for next-generation critical communications. The program focuses on seamless integration to maintain frontline readiness without disruption.

The nationwide programme to equip New Zealand’s emergency services with new Land Mobile Radio (LMR) technology is making significant progress, with thousands of critical communications installations now completed in vehicles and stations across the country.

Building a new LMR network extends beyond constructing transmission towers; it requires the intricate installation of new radios into police cars, ambulances, fire appliances, and stations, alongside the distribution of new portable radios to emergency services personnel.

Work is well underway on the installation of more than 7,000 radios into emergency vehicles, 1,300 radios into buildings, and the delivery of 30,000 new portable radios to ensure staff are prepared for the new network going live.

For Hato Hone St John, the project involves upgrading nearly 1,000 ambulances to operate on the new network without any interruption to frontline emergency services.

“We’re more than 90 percent through what we call the ‘first touch’, installing the radio terminals, antennas, and associated equipment in each ambulance,”

says Chris Laufale, Business Change Manager at Hato Hone St John and liaison to Next Generation Critical Communications.

Detailing the complexity, Mr Laufale explained,

“We’ve got 18 different vehicle types. Even among the same brand, the wiring or roof materials might differ, which affects antenna performance. Our providers needed to have every possible part ready, and a full bill of materials for any of the 18 vehicle types. That’s not a small ask.”

Emphasising the critical nature of the work, he noted that each vehicle must be fully functional and back on the road by the start of the next shift.

“These vehicles roll straight out again and often back into operational service responding to emergency calls in the community, so, that means every system, whether that be the sirens, lights, or radios, must be double-checked and tested. A loose wire can’t be left to chance.”

Close collaboration with partners has been key to the project's success.

“We’ve worked closely with Tait Systems New Zealand and Next Generation Critical Communications to adjust designs, improve turnaround times, and reduce risks for everyone.”

“That is hugely important because when one of our crews turns the key, everything needs to work,” Mr Laufale says.

Progress is also advancing with other emergency services. New Zealand Police have replaced more than 1500 portable radios in Counties Manukau, Auckland City, Wellington, and Northland and completed their roll-out of new radios in vehicles in Canterbury. They are now working on vehicle installations in Wellington.

Wellington Free Ambulance is currently trialling the new equipment in four vehicles, with full fleet installations scheduled to begin in 2026. Similarly, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is trialling Public Safety Network (PSN) equipment in several vehicles before fleet installations begin later this year, starting in Canterbury.