Chair of Next Generation Critical Communications Poutama Whai Tikanga Pāpāho, Rob Fyfe, today announced the appointment of business leader Greg Lowe as an independent member on the Executive Governance Board of Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC).

The Next Generation Critical Communications Executive Governance Board was established in 2020 to oversee the establishment of the NGCC Lead Entity and to have ongoing oversight of the development and delivery of the Public Safety Network Te Kupenga Marutau for Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Police, Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance.

“I am delighted to welcome Greg Lowe to the Next Generation Critical Communications Executive Governance Board. Greg brings a proven track record in governance and is recognised as a business leader who successfully delivers complex infrastructure builds.

He has a strong service ethos which is well-aligned with the Public Safety Network’s emergency services customers evidenced by his earlier Navy career and contribution to multiple government advisory groups,” Mr Fyfe said.

“Greg joins NGCC at an important time as delivery of the Public Safety Network’s Cellular Services continues on time and on budget, and there’s good progress on the new Land Mobile Radio network with a pilot underway in South Canterbury.”

Mr Lowe says, “I’m so pleased to be joining the NGCC Board to build on the organisation’s significant achievements for New Zealand’s emergency services. This investment in common communications infrastructure and services for our emergency responders is an intelligent, strategic move benefitting our frontline teams and ultimately, the wellbeing and prosperity of all communities.”

Mr Fyfe says, “The new critical communications capability NGCC is delivering will greatly support the operations and safety of the emergency services in their everyday work, as well as for large scale climate-related events.”