CentrePort Wellington and Tū Ātea Launch Aotearoa’s First Māori Built Commercial Private 5G Network
CentrePort Wellington, in partnership with Māori owned digital infrastructure specialist Tū Ātea, officially launched Aotearoa New Zealand’s first commercially deployed Māori built Private 5G network. The launch marks a major milestone for productivity, safety and Māori leadership in critical national infrastructure.
Deployed at the heart of one of the country’s most important freight hubs, the new Private 5G network delivers high performance, resilient connectivity across the entire port environment. Designed specifically for the complexity of port operations, it replaces legacy wireless systems and sets a new benchmark for digital capability across the logistics sector.
Purpose Built Connectivity for a Complex Environment
Ports are among the most challenging environments for wireless communication. Large steel structures, moving vehicles, container stacks and vessels can significantly disrupt traditional Wi Fi and public mobile networks. CentrePort’s Private 5G solution has been engineered to overcome these barriers, providing consistent, high speed coverage across cranes, trucks, sensors, tablets and other operational devices.
The dedicated network uses spectrum and wireless infrastructure designed exclusively for CentrePort’s operational needs. This enables real time communication and supports the safe movement of approximately four million tonnes of freight each year.
Enhancing Safety, Productivity and Resilience
Reliable, low latency connectivity is critical to modern port operations. The new Private 5G network improves operational resilience by removing reliance on congested public networks and vulnerable Wi Fi systems. It enables more responsive communications, enhanced health and safety outcomes, and greater efficiency across port wide operations.
Anthony Delaney, Chief Executive of CentrePort, highlighted the importance of dependable communication in a dynamic port environment, noting that fast and reliable connectivity is vital for both staff safety and operational performance.
Māori Leadership in Digital Infrastructure
Beyond the technology itself, the launch represents a significant moment for Māori enterprise and leadership in digital infrastructure. Tū Ātea’s role in designing, deploying and operating the network reflects the practical realisation of Māori spectrum rights and their transition into commercial, nationally significant infrastructure.
Antony Royal, Chief Executive of Tū Ātea, described the project as a powerful example of what is possible when Māori enterprise partners with industry to build technology for the future, creating long term value not only for customers, but for Aotearoa as a whole.
A Platform for the Future
With the Private 5G network now live, CentrePort and Tū Ātea are already looking ahead to future applications. These include advanced sensor networks, smart logistics systems, remote monitoring and other data driven innovations enabled by dedicated, high capacity wireless infrastructure.
The deployment also provides a scalable model for other ports, airports, industrial sites and critical facilities across New Zealand. It demonstrates how private networks can transform operations while delivering sovereignty, resilience and innovation through Māori led infrastructure.