Zetron named finalist for NZ emergency console project
Thu, 15th Oct 2026 (Today)
Zetron has been named a finalist in the ARCIA Excellence Awards for delivering a new emergency communications voice console in New Zealand. The project was carried out for Fire and Emergency New Zealand and Police, with backing from SafetyNet.
The console has replaced legacy platforms in emergency communications centres and is already in use at Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance are due to adopt the same technology early next year.
Dispatchers use the console to access radio networks, communicate with frontline responders, and assign people and resources during incidents. The system also integrates with each agency's existing radio infrastructure and is intended to connect with the Public Safety Network's new Land Mobile Radio network.
This allows agencies to move to the new console before their regional migration to the new radio network begins. It is designed to let services continue operating without interruption during the transition.
Shared system
According to SafetyNet, the project reflects a broader effort to move the four main emergency services onto shared communications infrastructure. The Public Safety Network Land Mobile Radio programme will bring Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Hato Hone St John, and Wellington Free Ambulance onto the same radio technology and infrastructure.
The console also supports features built into the Land Mobile Radio network, including alarm buttons for responders who need urgent help and live location information for personnel and vehicles. It also enables dedicated talk groups for multi-agency incidents, allowing crews from different services to speak directly during major emergencies such as severe weather events.
SafetyNet also said 30,000 frontline responders are already using Public Safety Network cellular services alongside the radio network project. These services are intended to improve coverage and connectivity and to identify coverage gaps more quickly.
The wider Public Safety Network represents a NZD $1.7 billion investment over 10 years. SafetyNet is responsible for building and operating the network, including the Land Mobile Radio system under construction, as well as cellular roaming, priority, and network visibility services that are already live.
Industry recognition
The ARCIA Awards are run by Australia's Radio and Critical Communications Association and recognise work across the critical communications sector. Zetron received the finalist recognition as the technology partner on the New Zealand project.
Steve Ferguson, Chief Executive, SafetyNet, said the programme showed how emergency services could combine procurement and delivery of major communications systems.
"The emergency services asked us to solve this once, for all of them, rather than each agency going to market alone. It's what SafetyNet exists to do, working on behalf of our customers and with vendors to support the procurement, governance and delivery of new shared communications capability," said Steve Ferguson, Chief Executive, SafetyNet.
Ferguson also linked the voice console project to the broader communications overhaul under way across the sector.
"The new Public Safety Network radio and cellular solutions support increased coordination between the emergency services and, critically, better communications for frontline responders and ultimately, outcomes for the communities they serve. It's smart stuff and work we are proud to deliver," he said.