Public Safety Network Implementation Business Case approved by Cabinet

The Public Safety Network’s (PSN) Implementation Business Case (ImBC) has been approved by Cabinet.

The lead entity, Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC), submitted the ImBC to Cabinet, with the approval confirmed on Tuesday.

The next step is for NGCC to confirm and sign contracts with the preferred vendors. This is expected to be completed soon.

Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Wellington Free Ambulance, St John Ambulance, and NGCC will collaborate to complete the PSN programme of work. This will involve co-ordinating the replacement of the current communications infrastructure used by emergency services.

More details will be provided on this once the contracts with the preferred vendors are signed, but for our people at Fire and Emergency, the PSN will deliver a system which allows them quicker access to better information than they have ever had before. It will help keep them safer and enable us to better protect and preserve lives, property, and the environment across Aotearoa.

This includes replacing the existing analogue radio networks used by emergency services as these are aging and not capable of meeting future operational needs.

The PSN will also enable better situational awareness in emergency incidents and enable proactive management and mobilisation of emergency services staff, volunteers and resources.

For more information about the PSN work at Fire and Emergency, please visit the programme Portal page here(external link).

You can find out more about NGCC on its website here(external link).