Zetron named finalist for New Zealand emergency system

Zetron has been named a finalist at the ARCIA Excellence Awards for an emergency communications centre technology project delivered with SafetyNet. The recognition is for a new voice console system used by New Zealand emergency services.

The system has been introduced for Fire and Emergency New Zealand and New Zealand Police, replacing older communications platforms in their emergency communications centres. Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance are due to adopt the same technology early next year.

The voice console allows dispatchers to access radio networks, communicate with frontline responders, and deploy people and resources. It also links agencies' existing radio infrastructure with the Public Safety Network's new Land Mobile Radio network.

This is intended to let agencies introduce the console before regional migration to the new Land Mobile Radio network begins, allowing services to continue operating during the transition.

Shared system

The project is part of the Public Safety Network, a 10-year programme valued at NZD $1.7 billion to build and run communications infrastructure for New Zealand emergency services. SafetyNet, a government company, is responsible for the programme.

The new Land Mobile Radio network will put New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Hato Hone St John, and Wellington Free Ambulance on the same radio technology and infrastructure for the first time. The voice console also provides access to functions built into the network, including alarm buttons for responders needing urgent help and live location information for personnel and vehicles.

It supports dedicated talk groups for multi-agency incidents, allowing crews from different services to coordinate directly during major emergencies such as severe weather events.

Steve Ferguson, Chief Executive of SafetyNet, said the project showed how the agency could combine procurement and delivery for multiple emergency services.

"The emergency services asked us to solve this once, for all of them, rather than each agency going to market alone. It's what SafetyNet exists to do, working on behalf of our customers and with vendors to support the procurement, governance and delivery of new shared communications capability," Ferguson said.

Broader rollout

The voice console project sits alongside the Public Safety Network's cellular services, already in use by 30,000 frontline responders across the four agencies. Those services are designed to extend coverage and connectivity and help identify network coverage gaps.

The ARCIA Awards are organised by Australia's Radio and Critical Communications Association and recognise work across the critical communications sector. The finalist listing places the New Zealand project among international entries from public safety organisations and technology suppliers.

SafetyNet was established to modernise and consolidate critical communications services and infrastructure used by New Zealand's emergency services and the wider public safety and emergency management sector. The organisation was formerly known as Next Generation Critical Communications.

"The new Public Safety Network radio and cellular solutions support increased coordination between the emergency services and, critically, better communications for frontline responders and ultimately outcomes for the communities they serve. It's smart stuff and work we are proud to deliver," Ferguson said.