Kiwi radios at the ready for NZ yachting heroes

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One Kiwi success story will be cheering on another next month, as Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) begins its America’s Cup bid supported by radio communications equipment from Tait Electronics. Many of ETNZ crew crafted their yachting skills sailing a P-Class boat on New Zealand waters. So as a symbolic gesture to remind ETNZ of their sailing roots, Tait’s Christchurch staff are showing their support for the America’s Cup challenge by signing a P-Class sail to send to the team.

Media release
For immediate release

Kiwi radios at the ready for NZ national yachting heroes

Monday 12th March 2007, Christchurch, New Zealand

Newly arrived in Valencia for the America’s Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) report they have just completed the installation and testing of their Tait-supplied radio equipment.

ETNZ head technician Greg Lewis says, since arriving back in Valencia, the set up has also been smooth and straightforward.

“Thanks to our Auckland trials over Christmas and last year’s practice in Spain, we know that these radios are crystal clear and totally secure. This is crucial because as we approach the start of the series, the stakes get higher, competitors seek any advantage and the need for encrypted communications is paramount.”

Christchurch-based Tait is supplying ETNZ with APCO P25 digital radios fitted with encryption - the same type of sophisticated solution that is used by police and emergency services – giving the team the advantage of crystal clear voice communications that keeps their team secrets safe from the prying ears of competitors. Tait’s proven range of advanced P25 digital base stations, mobiles and portables have been installed in tenders, chase boats and the race yachts.

“To be able to compete at this level we need the best equipment and at the end of the day, we are proud Kiwis racing for our country. So to be able to use world-class radio technology, which happens to be New Zealand-engineered and New Zealand-made, is really quite special,” says Mr Lewis.

Tait Electronics Managing Director, Michael Chick, says there are a number of parallels that can be drawn between the successes of New Zealand businesses and its sports teams. “There have been many separate teams here at Tait that have contributed to the P25 solution: engineering teams, manufacturing teams, design teams and sales teams.”

Tait has had significant export success with the P25 digital range securing contracts in North and South America and Australia. “But this isn’t simply an opportunity to showcase our latest digital radio products. All our 650 New Zealand staff are extremely proud to support other Kiwis succeeding on the global stage,” Mr Chick says.

ENDS

About Tait Electronics Ltd

Tait Electronics Ltd was formed in 1969 and is a leading provider of radio communications equipment to 160 countries.

The company’s global headquarters is in Christchurch, New Zealand, and its research and development operation is one of the largest in its sector in Australasia. Tait employs about 800 people in New Zealand and in its wholly-owned customer service operations in Australia, Singapore, Thailand, China, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada and the United States.

Tait exports more than 90% of its products, with customers ranging from small private businesses to large multi-national corporations, government agencies, emergency services, network providers and specialist communications agencies.

Tait’s product offering has grown beyond its roots in conventional two-way mobile radio to encompass a wide range of products and services – from portable and mobile radios through to wide area trunked radio network systems that provide integrated radio and telephone services for both voice and data communications.

www.taitworld.com

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