Wellington Airport, Hutt City sign for KorKor radio

Digital switchover helps airport manage increased traffic volumes

Wellington International Airport and Hutt City Council have both signed on to use Kordia's digital two-way radio service, KorKor, to replace analogue communications systems. 

Hutt City Council signed up in November following a review of its health and safety requirements.

Hutt City’s divisional manager of inspections Geoff Stuart says KorKor offers features such as a panic button, GPS tracking, RT and cell phone functionality.

"For us, the tracking and emergency button are crucial,” says Stuart. 
 
“A parking warden recently had cause to push the panic button and we had staff there within one and a half minutes and the police followed soon after — a great result.”
 
Wellington Airport is transferring to digital after a review highlighted the need for a tailored system to manage increasing traffic volumes.

The airport's IT Manager, James Groombridge, says such communications are vital to runnning safe airport operations.
 
“We’ll also be using KorKor outside the airport campus to enable critical communications with our marine rescue vessels and fire appliances,” he says.

Both the airport and Hutt City are looking to implement additional gateway equipment to enable interoperability with Civil Defence and Emergency Services, Kordia's GM of sales and marketing, Drew Gilpin, says.

KorKor is based on the TETRA digital radio standard used in airports such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Changi and Heathrow. 
 
Kordia is working with partner Capital Communications to provide services to the airport and with KWIK Communications for Hutt City Council.