New radio installations underway for NZ's LMR network

Work is well underway in New Zealand on the installation of more than 7000 radios into emergency vehicles and 1300 radios into buildings, as well as the delivery of 30,000 new portable radios to emergency responders, so they are ready for when the country’s new Land Mobile Radio (LMR) network goes live.

For Hato Hone St John, nearly 1000 ambulances need critical upgrades to enable them to use the new LMR network without any interruption to frontline emergency services.

“We’re more than 90% through what we call the ‘first touch’ — installing the radio terminals, antennas and associated equipment in each ambulance,” said Chris Laufale, Business Change Manager at Hato Hone St John and liaison to Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC), which is delivering LMR through New Zealand’s Public Safety Network (PSN) program.

“We’ve got 18 different vehicle types. Even among the same brand, the wiring or roof materials might differ, which affects antenna performance. Our providers needed to have every possible part ready, and a full bill of materials for any of the 18 vehicle types. That’s not a small ask.”

Each vehicle must be back on the road after fit-out, fully functional and tested by shift start, Laufale noted.

“These vehicles roll straight out again and often back into operational service responding to emergency calls in the community, so that means every system, whether that be the sirens, lights, or radios, must be double-checked and tested. A loose wire can’t be left to chance.”

“We’ve worked closely with Tait Systems New Zealand and Next Generation Critical Communications to adjust designs, improve turnaround times, and reduce risks for everyone.

“That is hugely important because when one of our crews turns the key, everything needs to work.”

Meanwhile, New Zealand Police has replaced more than 1500 portable radios in Counties Manukau, Auckland City, Wellington and Northland and completed its rollout of new radios in vehicles in Canterbury. Vehicle installations are now underway in Wellington.

Wellington Free Ambulance is currently trialling the new equipment in four vehicles, before full fleet installations begin in 2026. Fire and Emergency New Zealand is also trialling PSN equipment in several vehicles before fleet installations begin later this year, starting in Canterbury.