Building a safer world: Tait Communications is a classic New Zealand success story (original) (raw)

Tait Systems NZ has deployed the pilot region of a new critical communications national radio network to support New Zealand’s emergency services personnel.

Part of the Government’s three-solution Public Safety Network Te Kupenga Marutau, the digital Land Mobile Radio (LMR) network will provide emergency services with the modern, resilient, secure radio technology they need to strengthen their critical communications and keep New Zealand communities safe.

At Tait Communications' campus in Christchurch NZ on 28 August 2024 are, from left; NZ Police Constable Josh Yeoman and his dog Gusto, Hato Hone St John senior ambulance officer Chris Laufale, NZ Minister of Police and Emergency Services Hon Mark Mitchell, NZ Police Senior Sergeant Paul Furguson and Fire and Emergency NZ Senior Firefighter Geoff Powell. Photo courtesy of NGCC.

Speaking at a function to launch the new Land Mobile Radio network, Tait Communications CEO Yoram Benit said “For us, delivering the public safety network is about playing our part in the communities we call home. It’s a privilege to be helping our emergency services keep New Zealand safe and serve our communities.

We have a long history of delivering for emergency services – including those in England, America, Brazil, South Africa and Australia. We’re very happy to now be delivering on behalf of Next Generation Critical Communications for New Zealand's emergency services.”

Tait Systems NZ is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tait Communications - a global, New Zealand-based company headquartered in Christchurch. Founded in the 1960’s by Sir Angus Tait, the company has grown from 12 employees who lived and breathed radio communications, to a global leader with over 60 years of experience and offices across the globe. Tait manufactures over one million parts in New Zealand every day.

“We’re proud to be part of a world-leading project of this nature - when complete, the network will include around 500 sites – one of the largest P25 multi- agency radio networks in the world. It’ll provide capability on par with many other emergency services across the world” Mr Benit said.

Over the decades, the company has grown on the back of a series of innovations and improvements. It’s radios and networks are used across the globe by emergency services, governments and industry.

“Our company has always had an unswerving commitment to research and development. We also are proudly kiwi with a commitment to listen, courage to act and the integrity to deliver this significant, nationwide and complex project.” Mr Benit said.

By its tenth anniversary, Tait had launched a range of portable radios and base stations and was exporting over 25% of its production. The first wholly owned subsidiary was opened in the UK in 1979. The years immediately following saw further subsidiaries established in the USA and Singapore, and the first of many export awards. Decades later, they are exporting around 90% of production and the future looks bright, with exciting developments in software and services on the horizon.

A related news release from the New Zealand Government is here.