Steve Bush Appointed Chief Executive of Tait Systems New Zealand
Steve Bush, Chief Executive
6 July 2026
Tait Systems New Zealand (TSNZ) has appointed experienced telecommunications and critical communications leader Steve Bush as its new Chief Executive, effective 20 July 2026.
Bush joins TSNZ at a key stage in the delivery of New Zealand's Public Safety Network (PSN) Land Mobile Radio (LMR) programme, which is being developed to provide secure, resilient and encrypted communications for the country's emergency services.
The network is designed to support frontline responders during major incidents, natural disasters, severe weather events and operations in remote locations, helping ensure emergency services can maintain critical communications when communities need them most.
TSNZ Board Chair Penny Hoogerwerf said Bush brings extensive industry expertise and proven leadership experience to a programme of national significance.
"Steve has a strong track record leading complex telecommunications and critical communications programmes, including major infrastructure projects across Australia and New Zealand. He joins a highly capable team working closely with SafetyNet Critical Communications, emergency service agencies, suppliers and delivery partners.
"The programme has established strong foundations and reached an important stage of delivery. Steve's leadership, industry knowledge and collaborative approach will help us build on the significant progress already achieved."
Bush has more than 20 years of experience delivering telecommunications and critical communications programmes, including involvement with the recent New South Wales Land Mobile Radio network. His career includes senior leadership roles with Kordia, Huawei Australia, Tata Consultancy Services and Amalgamotion.
He said the programme represents much more than a telecommunications infrastructure project.
"This is not simply another network rollout. It is a national public safety capability that will support the people who protect New Zealanders every day.
"For first responders, reliable and secure communications are fundamental to how they coordinate, make decisions and operate safely in demanding environments. The network will enhance how emergency services communicate and work together during critical incidents, helping ensure teams remain connected when it matters most."
Bush said he is joining an organisation that has already made significant progress across planning, design, site acquisition and network deployment.
"A substantial amount of work has already been completed, creating a strong foundation of capability, expertise and commitment across the programme. My focus will be on building on that momentum and continuing to accelerate delivery as we work towards providing this critical capability for New Zealand's emergency services."
TSNZ will continue to work alongside SafetyNet Critical Communications, NIFF, Tait Communications, emergency service agencies, suppliers and delivery partners as the Public Safety Network rollout progresses through 2026 and 2027.
The completed network is expected to provide a communications capability designed to support New Zealand's emergency services and communities for decades to come.
Media contact:
Laura Wilmot laura.wilmot@taitsystems.nz
About Steve Bush
Steve Bush is an experienced programme and business leader with extensive experience delivering major telecommunications and critical communications infrastructure programmes. He has held senior leadership positions across telecommunications, broadcasting and network delivery organisations, including Kordia, Huawei Australia, Tata Consultancy Services and Amalgamotion. He is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.