A joint venture between Spark and Vodafone will enhance the communications service to New Zealand’s first responders, in a ‘first of its kind’ deal.
The telcos’ joint venture, Hourua Limited has entered into an agreement with the New Zealand Government, through its entity Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC). The agreement forms part of the New Zealand Government’s Public Safety Network (PSN) Programme designed to improve the communications capability of the emergency services agencies and support public safety.
The agreement sees the Government funding Hourua to provide emergency service agencies (Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance)) with roaming communications service capability across both networks and priority access on cellular networks. This will increase cellular coverage for the emergency services and support them to have the right real-time information as they are out doing their jobs.
Leading law firm, MinterEllisonRuddWatts acted for Spark, Vodafone and Hourua Limited.
The MinterEllisonRuddWatts team comprised partners Tom Maasland and Isaac Stewart, Senior Associate James Marriner, and Senior Solicitor Peter Wigglesworth. The team assisted with the formation of Hourua Limited and negotiating the funding agreements with the New Zealand Government/NGCC, while working closely with Spark and Vodafone’s senior lawyers including Sasha Daniels, Craig McCall, Liz Balme and Tom Probert, to assist at all stages of the deal.
Upon reaching agreement Partner Tom Maasland said, “This is a momentous deal in that it will ensure first responders have the best access to telecommunications services available, allowing them to better communicate when it matters most.
“We are delighted to have advised our clients and played a part in helping New Zealand’s first responders better support our communities.”
