Media Release: Embargoed until the 31st May 2012
Iwi owned ultrafast broadband network launched in Northland
The first stage of an ultrafast broadband network has been launched today in Northland.
Taitokerau Networks is owned by partners Te Rūnanga o Whaingaroa, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua
and Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa with Wellington Telco Datalight Limited. The network is already
attracting a number of new customers such as Ultracom, which connects more than 300 Whangarei
households on the local Northpower Fibre Network. Elders and other representatives from the
Taitokerau iwi who own the network are travelling from Whangarei to Auckland today to view their
new intercity network.
A spokesman for the Taitokerau iwi involved, Haami Piripi, chair of Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa, says
“This build marks a historical milestone for New Zealand with the creation of the first Iwi owned
long-haul network in the country, and has provided a sound basis for the development of an ongoing
productive relationship with the companies involved for other projects throughout Taitokerau which
will help to stimulate the regional economy”.
“With the network now completed, we are excited about the opportunities for our Iwi to improve
education, employment, health, and prosperity across the predominantly under-served rural
Northland region. Tauhoa Primary School is one example of how we aim to serve the rural
community needs through this network," he says.
A high speed video link between the school and Whangarei city was used today during the launch to
demonstrate the state of the art connectivity that can now be provided to rural and business
communities by Taitokerau Networks.
Datalight Managing Director, Roger MacDonald says the ability to deliver Gigabit per second plus
speeds with extremely low latency over the full 210 kilometers of network in a single span is
testament to the demanding specifications used by Taitokerau Networks for their inter-city backhaul fibre optic network, the accuracy and workmanship of FX Networks who were contracted to
deliver the civil construction aspects of the build, and the project management, quality assurance
and technical inspection expertise provided by China backed CCS Comservice (New Zealand) Ltd.
Initial financial support provided by Axin NZ Ltd to Northland Iwi is a great example of the high level
of cooperation that exists between China and New Zealand business interests, and the willingness of
Chinese businesses to assist iwi to achieve local outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ends/…
Launch Itinerary:
Taitokerau Networks Formal Opening
11am - 1pm, 31st May.
TNLP Whangarei Point of Presence
Unit B7,
Nell Place Business Park
Raumanga
Whangarei
1pm - Buses touring network head south.
Media reception
6pm, 31st May
Axin Offices
Level 34, Vero Towers
Shortland Street
Auckland City
For further information, please contact:
Media: Piripi Moore - 027 2511915, email: [email protected]
Business / Network: Roger MacDonald - 021 917217, email: [email protected]