News

CentrePort is set to take advantage of blisteringly fast and secure 5G coverage across its Wellington port facilities by deploying an innovative new network with Māori-run communications provider Tū Ātea Limited.

The port, which is a vital connection for New Zealand’s freight and transport system, will go live in the third quarter of 2025 with a Private 5G network giving port workers dedicated connectivity across port operations.

The network will initially provide high-speed connections to dozens of tablet devices used in vehicles and cranes which help manage and process typically 4 million tonnes in freight each year. It will also underpin innovative converged solutions that will boost productivity and security at the port while bolstering health and safety efforts.

The network will comprise several 5G high-power radio transceivers and antennas deployed on CentrePort’s existing light-pole infrastructure, connected over a fibre optic network to Tū Ātea’s state-of-the-art-Converged (4G & 5G capable) Packet Core.

"It means we can provide 5G network slicing to CentrePort, which is a game changer when it comes to offering dedicated wireless capacity for mission-critical operations," says Antony Royal, Tū Ātea’s Chief Executive Officer.

5G network slicing creates multiple virtual networks within a single physical 5G network. Each "slice" can be customised to meet specific use cases with different latency or throughput requirements, allowing various services to run more efficiently and securely on the same network infrastructure.

CentrePort will be able to sidestep congestion on public mobile networks and its own Wi-fi network, using Tū Ātea’s ‘Network-as-a-Service’ offering, which runs over its 5G spectrum.

"Our port is a dynamic environment where reliable and fast communication is vital for the safety of our staff and the overall efficiency of the port," says Anthony Delaney, CentrePort’s Chief Executive Officer.

"Coverage can be tricky due to large ships and container stacks blocking radio signals. This Private 5G network will be optimised to overcome that and will underpin converged smart network features we are planning."

The Private 5G network builds on CentrePort’s recent efforts to innovate its port operations, including a pilot scale of an onsite battery energy storage system (BESS) and second solar array, which will improve resilience and enhance the potential for future emission reductions.

"This is an exciting opportunity for us show others what can be done and the benefits solutions like a Private 5G network can offer."

The service is a major milestone for Tū Ātea and its technology partner Mavenir, a leader in 4G and 5G private network solutions.

"This network promises to showcase exactly what is possible for New Zealand organisations when they have dedicated high-capacity wireless connectivity on tap," says Mavenir President and Chief Executive Officer, Pardeep Kohli.

With its origins as the Interim Māori Spectrum Commission, Tū Ātea has grown rapidly since it acquired Tū Ātea Network Services (the former Broadtech Group) in late 2023. It now has around 120 staff including a growing number of Māori engineers from intern level through to Principal Network Architect level.

Tū Ātea has positioned itself as a telecommunications leader partnering with Mavenir and others to meet the private network market head-on in 2025.

"With our spectrum resources, technology and expertise, we see this as an opportunity to partner with existing mobile network operators to bolster their offerings in the enterprise space," says Royal.

"From seaports and airports to manufacturing plants and stadiums, Private 5G networks will power industry 4.0 solutions and underpin innovative new services. We want all New Zealanders to benefit from the pioneering work Tū Ātea is undertaking with customers like CentrePort."