Former Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe will chair the Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC) project, tasked with replacing emergency services critical communications networks. Minister of Police Stuart Nash appointed the Fyfe and four independent members to the NGCC executive governance board late last week.

The NGCC will rollout public safety networks for Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Police, St John and Wellington Free Ambulance, with Crown Infrastructure Partners, the company behind the Ultrafast Broadband projects, tasked with delivery.

The current Police critical radio communications network is over 20 years old and approaching end of life, presenting an increased risk of service failure.

Police is the lead agency for the NGCC Programme to procure a replacement communications network for the broader emergency services group. Police have identified this initiative as a financial risk. The Vote includes $47.8 million over four years to replace the aging communications capability.

But that is only part of planned spending totaling $85 million. $22.19 million was also committed over four years in 2019 to maintain the operation of the existing communications system, and $15 million over two years to support the procurement process for a new system.

“The ageing equipment has needed replacement for some time and this investment in core public services is vital in the interests of community safety, Nash said. "Frontline responders need modern, reliable and secure communications.

Fyfe is supported by four Independent Members: Anthony Royal, Deborah Battell, Karen Mitchell and former FirstNet CEO, TJ Kennedy.