Kordia leaves JV delivering NZ PSN's LMR network

Kordia has announced it is leaving its joint venture with Tait Communications, formed in 2022 to deliver the land mobile radio (LMR) network component of New Zealand’s Public Safety Network (PSN). The company will continue to work on the project in a subcontractor role.

Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC) is working on behalf of New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance to deliver the PSN, including the new LMR network — a significant undertaking to bolster the country’s safety and resilience through improving the critical communications capability of its emergency services. The secure, dedicated shared network will be accessible to emergency services throughout New Zealand and should be delivered by the end of 2026.

“The rollout will replace the land mobile radio networks currently in use by emergency services, some of which are old technology and nearing end of life,” said NGCC Director Steve Ferguson.

The contract to build and maintain the digital LMR network was awarded to the Tait Kordia Joint Venture Company in November 2022, but with Kordia now divesting its shares in the JV to Tait, the venture has been renamed Tait Systems NZ and will be 100% owned by Tait Communications. Tait Systems NZ will continue working closely with NGCC to deliver the project.

“Tait Systems NZ has scaled up, reshaped our operations, and brought experts and additional resources on board,” said Dr Yoram Benit, CEO of Tait Communications. “We now have the right structure to ensure delivery of all the components of the land mobile radio network to emergency services as scheduled.”

The upscaling of the venture involves Tait Systems NZ bringing on a number of expert subcontractors for the delivery phase of the project — including former partner Kordia.

“Kordia’s role in the project will continue with our scope focusing on our core strengths; mission-critical infrastructure and core network services, as well as co-location on Kordia-owned sites,” said Neil Livingston, interim CEO at Kordia.

“By stepping into a subcontractor role … Kordia can free up resources allowing us to continue growing our business lines such as communications infrastructure, broadcast and maritime services, whilst also investing in high-growth areas such as cloud and cybersecurity.”

Kordia says it remains committed to its continued role in the Public Safety Network project and has recently appointed industry veteran Marc Rackett as Executive General Manager – Public Safety Network to lead the company’s scope of work.

“We’re supportive of the decisions designed to accelerate the project,” Livingston said. “We look forward to continuing to work together to deliver this project of huge national importance to New Zealand, and which will ensure our emergency services have the modern, secure and reliable communications they need to stay safe and supported on the frontline.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Waeruslan Waedaraseh