Northpower Fibre appoints CEO

Northpower Fibre appoints CEO

Northpower Fibre has appointed Darren Mason as its CEO following a six month stint as acting CEO and an extensive external recruitment process.

His appointment has been welcomed by Jo Brosnahan, Chair of the Whangarei Local Fibre Company (Northpower Fibre), who says Mason brings solid experience and local connections to the role.

Mrs Brosnahan says Mr Mason has played an integral part in Northpower Fibre’s network build and expansion since 2007.

She believes the Government’s Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) Initiative is a critical step change for New Zealand’s telecommunications industry and Northpower’s success in securing the build of Whangarei’s fibre network is a major achievement.

“This is a significant project for Whangarei and also a big opportunity for Northland to lead from the front as the first region in New Zealand to embrace the opportunities that ultra-fast broadband brings,” says Mrs Brosnahan.

Northpower began operating a fibre network in the city CBD four years ago and secured the Government’s UFB contract for the Whangarei build after lengthy negotiations with Crown Fibre Holdings late last year.

Northpower Fibre began the Government backed build in earnest in April.

Technicians have since constructed nearly 30km of aerial fibre and almost 25km underground ducting in the Woodhill and Avenues area, the Port and some parts of Tikipunga.

“Our construction teams have taken fibre past over 2000 premises already and we have covered dozens of streets,” says Mr Mason.

“We still have quite a bit of fibre jointing and electronic equipment to be installed before most people can connect to the network but over the next three years we will cover a further 16,000 premises. We are looking forward to business and residential owners taking advantage and connecting."

Mr Mason says the real benefits from Northpower Fibre’s UFB build will be realised by those people who choose to communicate via the world class fibre optic communications network.

It is a point backed by Mrs Brosnahan, who says locals have everything to gain from Whangarei’s UFB network.

Northpower Fibre is anticipating strong take up levels by the local market over the next three years as the value of fibre connectivity is realised.

“Fibre is the future and I’m looking forward to continuing to put Northland first and focus on ensuring we make the most of this opportunity that Northpower Fibre has on offer in conjunction with the Government,” says Mr Mason.

“Northland is a great place to live and work; I was brought up in the North and have worked here my whole life. I’m proud to say that I’m a local and overseeing something that is future-proofing our communications landscape and connecting us to the rest of the world. This build will open the Northland economy up to opportunities around the world.”

ENDS

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