Steven Lawrence named Chief Technical Director at NGCC

Steven Lawrence has been appointed as Chief Technical Director at Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC).

The appointment was announced by Steve Ferguson, Director of NGCC, who welcomed Lawrence to the government entity responsible for critical communications supporting public safety across New Zealand.

Lawrence has held senior leadership positions in the technology sector in New Zealand, the UK, and the US for over two decades. His previous roles have included responsibilities in delivery, security, and operational management, with experience spanning both commercial and government organisations.

At NGCC, Lawrence will oversee technical direction as the organisation operates and expands the Public Safety Network's (PSN) Cellular Services. The PSN project is investing NZD $1.4 billion over the next ten years to support new network infrastructure for emergency services. The network provides secure communications for services such as Hato Hone St John, Wellington Free Ambulance, Police, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand, with plans for future expansion to other organisations.

Industry and public sector experience

Before joining NGCC, Lawrence spent five years at Spark. During his time there, he led the delivery of strategic network priorities, improved the company's organisational resilience, and worked on efficient operational processes. He was also involved in the delivery of cellular roaming and priority services for the Public Safety Network through the joint venture vendor, Hourua, which Spark operates alongside One NZ. In addition, Lawrence served as a board member for Hourua, and managed Spark's delivery of 111 (ICAP) emergency services to the government.

Prior to Spark, Lawrence worked within Inland Revenue where he held positions including Director ICT Operations and Chief Information Security Officer, overseeing significant technology operations in the public sector.

Welcoming remarks

"I am delighted to welcome Steven onboard at this important time for NGCC as we operate services and look at how we might extend the Public Safety Network's Cellular Services to more organisations working across public safety and emergency management. He brings the perfect blend of technology, leadership, governance and strategy expertise, and broad cellular sector relationships," Steve Ferguson said.

Ferguson added that Lawrence's expertise would benefit the growth of NGCC's work in supporting frontline responders.

"Steven knows the Public Safety Network's cellular services inside out and he brings an excellent understanding of the realities of frontline responders and the communication tools and user experience they need to do their jobs well and stay safe."

The role of NGCC and the Public Safety Network

NGCC is the sole government entity in New Zealand focused exclusively on critical communications for public safety. Its responsibility includes modernising communications for emergency services and managing the current and future operation of the Public Safety Network and Location Information Services.

The Public Safety Network itself includes three main components: a digital Land Mobile Radio network, Cellular Services (with Roaming, Priority, and Network Visibility System services), and personal alerting provisions. While the radio network is still being constructed, the cellular services and personal alerting features are currently operational.

The launch of the new network solutions allows emergency staff, stations, and vehicles access to more secure and resilient communication capabilities. The network aims to increase the amount and speed of information reaching emergency workers. Organisations currently benefiting from these services include ambulance, police, and fire services, with the intention to offer access to additional emergency and public safety groups in the future as part of ongoing expansion plans.