The Chatham Islands are described by many as a Land Apart. The remote location 860 kilometres east of the mainland together with a population of just over 600 people present some unique challenges. One of these is in communications infrastructure.
Gurden Consulting Ltd was commissioned to assist the Island in the quest for funding to improve broadband on the Island. A broadband demand analysis was undertaken and a Concept Proposal developed for submission to the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Major Regional Initiative (MRI) Fund. Unfortunately the Government withdrew the MRI funding, to which the application was to be lodged, immediately prior to submission. This did however provide the Island with a foundation document and raised the awareness of the Islands’ needs within Government planning. A broadband upgrade was eventually funded and undertaken in 2014.
Client: Chatham Islands Enterprise Trust (2007)