Laurie Colvin: a lifetime pushing the boundaries of radio

From his early days as a radio inspector to building a regional digital radio network that has become a lifeline during emergencies, Laurie Colvin’s 50-plus years in the radio communications industry have been defined by technical ingenuity, a willingness to embrace change, and a commitment to helping others succeed.

In May this year, RFUANZ recognised Laurie with its Lifetime Service Award, celebrating a career spanning more than five decades and a contribution to New Zealand’s radio communications industry that extends well beyond his own business.

For Laurie, the journey began at just 17, when he left school to join the Post Office. Following 10 months of training at the Radio School in Trentham, he was posted to Greymouth as a radio inspector. In 1985 the Post Office restructured and after nearly a decade as a radio inspector, Laurie chose to step into the private radio business — a decision that would shape the next four decades of his career.

His approach has always been hands-on. In 2014, Laurie invested in a particular VHF digital radio system, recognising an opportunity to provide wider coverage and new capabilities for regional customers. The response led to further investment and collaboration with other dealers, expanding the network across the East Coast, Hawke’s Bay and Bay of Plenty. Today, the network is still going strong and supports thousands of subscribers — and that investment proved critical during Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, when the network provided essential communications for organisations including Civil Defence and Police while power, internet and cellular services were disrupted.

Over the course of his career, Laurie contributed to multiple emergency responses including Cyclone Bola in 1988, the 2007 Gisborne earthquake and Cyclone Gabrielle. For Laurie, these experiences reinforced a straightforward principle: “In all the emergencies over the years, the sudden loss of public available comms resulted in communications completely falling back on radio, and having resilient systems available is a must.”

Beyond his technical achievements, Laurie has also helped shape the future of the industry. As a past RFUANZ committee member, he was one of the driving forces behind establishing formal training and qualifications for radio technicians. He has also encouraged and funded his own team members to undertake training.

“The life blood of our industry is in our young people,” Laurie says. “Without suitable technical and practical training, we are going backwards.”

More than 40 years after beginning his career, Laurie is still working, although he jokes that he is slowly heading towards retirement — “whatever that is”.

His advice to those entering the industry is characteristically practical. Radio will continue to evolve, and the industry needs people willing to embrace new challenges rather than wait for someone else to solve them.

“You need that ‘give it a go’ attitude,” he says. “While the best technical equipment in the world helps, nothing beats knowledge and tenacity when solving problems.”

It is an approach that has served him well, from his early days as a radio inspector through to building and expanding a digital radio network that supports thousands of users.

RFUANZ’s Lifetime Service Award recognises individuals whose dedication, leadership and commitment to mentoring others have left a lasting mark on the industry. Laurie’s career embodies those qualities: a lifetime of technical service, a willingness to invest in the future, and a generosity that has helped others grow alongside him. For an industry built on connecting people, it is a fitting legacy — one that reflects not only what Laurie has achieved, but the communities he has connected along the way.

Congratulations, Laurie, on a well-deserved Lifetime Service Award.

Trinity Matika, Secretary and Marketing, Radio Frequency Users Association of New Zealand (RFUANZ).