IR-01-23-10152
6 June 2023
Mike Hunua
[FYI request #22375 email]
Tēnā koe Mike
Request for information
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) request of 4 April 2023, in which you
asked for information regarding police communication infrastructure during Cyclone Gabrielle.
My response to each of your questions can be found below.
Could the Police advise what issues with communications with the frontline staff they
had in the Hawks Bay and Gisborne regions relating to radio and cel ular
communications?
Cellular: 310 cel sites lost connectivity from both One NZ (previously Vodafone) and Rural
Connectivity Group across the North Island. Cell phone reception in the Hawkes Bay was
initially limited and there were no cel ular communications in the Gisborne area.
Police deployed Starlink units to several stations in the Gisborne area which provided Wi-Fi
calling while in range of the unit. One NZ deployed Starlink and Kordia microwave connectivity
to Macro Cell (LTE) sites to restore coverage until fibre restoration was achieved.
Radio: The backhaul connectivity was lost to the Emergency Communication Centres impacting
the Tairawhiti area. The Gisborne, East Cape and Wairoa areas had local radio
communications but could not be dispatched centrally. This service was restored via Starlink the
evening of 15 February 2023.
What damage occurred to a police communication infrastructure (if any)?
Network equipment at Hawkes Bay Dog Base (router, media converter) was damaged beyond
repair requiring decommission.
Are there any further reliance plans around emergency communications for public
safety and extreme weather events?
Additional equipment that restored connectivity early such as Starlinks and additional satellite
phones were purchased early in the Cyclone Gabrielle response and there wil be a review of
the current emergency equipment. Future use of Starlink for the purpose of business continuity
planning is being explored.
Police National Headquarters
180 Molesworth Street. PO Box 3017, Wellington 6140, New Zealand.
Telephone: 04 474 9499. Fax: 04 498 7400. www.police.govt.nz
Has Cyclone Gabriele changed the Public safety network LMR and Hourua priority
cellular service plans as a result of learnings and reliance on communication during
cyclone Gabriele?
In February 2023 the government stood-up the Cyclone Gabrielle Recovery Task Force to look
at aspects of the Cyclone response and impacts, including communications. While there are no
immediate changes planned for the Public Safety Network Te Kupenga Marutau, the Task
Force findings - and those from any other relevant investigations - may result in changes in the
future.
Are the NZ Police stil the lead agency for the Next Generation Communications
Network?
Next Generation Critical Communications Poutama Whai Tikanga Pāpāho is responsible for
developing t
he Public Safety Network Te Kupenga Marutau on behalf of Fire and Emergency
New Zealand, Police, Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance. It has an
independent Board and is hosted by Police.
Police apologises for the delay in releasing this response to you. You have the right to seek
an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this delay. Information about how to make
a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602
I trust this information is of use to you.
Yours sincerely
Richard Chambers
Assistant Commissioner: Districts
New Zealand Police
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