Who are we?

TUANZ is a not-for-profit organisation that for 20 years has been fearlessly and aggressively promoting the needs of end-users of telecommunications in New Zealand. 

As the Internet has evolved, telecommunications has forged ahead around the world to influence not just how people communicate and interact, but how we run our businesses, occupy our leisure time, obtain our news and information, and even choose where to live. Modern, high speed access is now critical to economic development.

These days our vision statement  is "Targeting the Top Ten in the OECD for Communications Technology." This is an ambitious goal - right now we are in the bottom half dozen by several key measures, especially in the crucial fields of broadband uptake, speeds and prices. It is our aim to increase the uptake, educate New Zealanders as to the potential of the technology, and push the Government and vendors to deliver top quality, affordable service.

Our aim is that all New Zealanders benefit to the maximum from the broadband revolution. This will enhance our lifestyles, economy and society. But it will only happen if the telecommunications industry is stimulated by competition, which in turn requires industry-specific regulation of "best practice" quality.

Our 500 corporate members, represent a cross-section of the major business users of telecommunications. These include:

• major banks and credit card companies
• supermarket and fast food chains
• universities and tertiary institutions
• government agencies
• telecommunications carriers and IT companies
• many more businesses in a cross-section of industries

Ways in which TUANZ is working towards raising New Zealand into the OECD’s Top 10 include:

1. Representation
We successfully lobbied for the establishment of an internationally-normal regulatory environment including the appointment of a Telecommunications Commissioner and the passing of the Telecommunications Act in 2001, and the amended Telecommunications Act in December 2006.

Since then, TUANZ’s mission has been to continue to represent the interests of users through ongoing debate and pressure for further change. TUANZ has already contributed to major reforms such as:

• The launching of an official Commerce Commission enquiry into Mobile Termination Charges — which will mean reduced mobile call charges over the next 2-3 years.
• The development and establishment of a code of practice for co-location of mobile transmission sites to ensure ease of market entry and minimal environmental impact.
• Halving of the interconnection charges new entrants pay to Telecom thus helping to neutralise a major competitive distortion to the benefit of end users.

2. Working with the telecommunications industry
TUANZ represents the interests of telecommunications users on the Telecommunications Carriers’ Forum, the recognised industry body established under the Telecommunications Act 2001. In this role it makes input to the various Working Parties developing Codes of Practice on a wide range of issues. We also represent users in a similar manner on the Number Administration Deed.

3. Creating & developing broadband enabled services
TUANZ has completed five stages of its National Broadband Applications project designed to inform, inspire and enthuse New Zealanders about the potential of fast Internet access to improve their lives and work. In November 2004 we held a three day conference in the Hawkes Bay during which attendees created a blueprint for a broadband-enabled New Zealand, and in 2006 we ran a specific broadband event for the rural sector. TUANZ is currently working with Government and other industry bodies to turn these action plans into reality.

4. Up-skilling Contact Centres
TUANZ holds monthly Contact Centre luncheons which offer industry professionals the chance to learn about new technologies and keep up-to-date with the latest contact centre best practice. The annual TUANZ Contact Centre Conference & Awards is the premier event on the contact centre calendar which includes a two day conference covering HR, marketing and technology topics, as well as a black-tie awards dinner where we celebrate and reward the best in the industry.

5. Better networks
With more than 500 corporate members and more than 10,000 people attending our events every year, TUANZ provides invaluable networking and professional development opportunities.
Key networking events include:

• TUANZ After 5s — held monthly between February and November in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and progressively being introduced to Hamilton.
• The TUANZ Telecommunications Day — the ‘must attend’ event for the key decision-makers in IT&T
• The TUANZ Innovation Awards — a black-tie awards dinner at which we recognise and reward those at the forefront of innovation and ingenuity in the IT & T industry

6. Key Information
TUANZ Members are provided with regular information on telecommunications issues through our blogs as well as member-only content on our Web site. TUANZ staff are always willing to advise and make contacts for members with specific telecommunications-related problems.

We'd welcome your support. For further information on how you can join TUANZ click here.

We look forward to welcoming you on board!


This page is maintained by Ernie Newman ernie@tuanz.org.nz