The Government has launched a 24/7 monitoring system to protect the submarine telecommunications cables that carry nearly all of New Zealand's internet traffic.
Associate Transport Minister James Meager introduced the National Surveillance and Warning Capability at Wellington's Maritime Operations Centre, describing it as a world-first approach to safeguarding underwater infrastructure.
The platform generates automatic warnings when vessel activity threatens nearby underwater infrastructure. Staff then make direct radio contact with mariners to inform them of the risks and their legal responsibilities when operating in designated cable protection zones.
Why cables need protection
Submarine telecommunications cables carry approximately 99% of New Zealand's data traffic. Sections running through water less than 200 metres deep face the greatest risk of damage.
These shallow-water routes lie near active fishing grounds and shipping lanes. Even incidental contact from fishing equipment or ship anchors can breach the cables' protective outer layer, potentially causing widespread digital disruption.
How the system works
Kordia and Starboard Maritime Intelligence will operate the monitoring platform. When the system identifies a potential threat, operators contact vessels directly to provide warnings and guidance.
The capability follows a trial in the Hauraki Gulf and Muriwai Cable Areas last year. That trial proved successful enough that Starboard and Kordia secured contracts to deploy the capability in European waters.
Funding and next steps
While Budget 2024 funding enabled the technology's development, the ongoing surveillance operation is paid for by cable asset owners rather than through the tax base.
The monitoring system represents 1 of 10 parallel initiatives under way to improve the security and resilience of New Zealand's underwater telecommunications infrastructure.