5:56pm update
It’s hard to believe it’s just over 24 hours since yesterday’s earthquake. As this whole tragedy unfolds we’re getting a much clearer picture of the massive impact it’s had on the Canterbury region and its people. It’s still so unbelievable and just bloody devastating.

To our people in Canterbury I know you are up against it and I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you guys and we will do whatever it takes to support you now, and in the days ahead. 

Right now – our absolute priority is your safety so please keep safe with your loved ones. Our big priority overnight has been making sure all our people and their families are safe and we’ve very nearly accounted for all our folk right across Telecom. Not the news we wanted to hear, there has been one person from our Gen-i Christchurch team who has been seriously injured - we’re in constant contact with the family and all support possible is in place and being offered. We will let you know more on this as soon as we can. Sadly some of our people have lost loved ones or have family and friends who are critically injured – this is devastating news and all our thoughts and prayers are with them. 

I know for those of you down in Christchurch you might be keen to get back into our buildings to pick up some of your personal things but right now it’s just not safe to do so. It’s really important that no one goes back into our buildings until we let you guys know it is safe.

Overnight the Gen-i and Telecom team have been working hard to support the rescue and recovery operation and we’re working with the rest of New Zealand to deliver the essential communication services our Cantabs need at the moment. Our big focus last night was on restoring and maintaining cell sites in the CBD, so survivors trapped in the rubble who have mobile phones can continue to keep in contact with rescue teams. All central city cell sites that are operational have been connected to generators to keep them running. Given the circumstances our network is holding up well - our 111 platform remains stable as do our fixed line voice and data services. As always during these times we’re staying close to our clients to support them – you can read all our latest client updates on our website.

The stories of absolutely brilliant passion for clients are flowing; one example is that we provided 42 Gen-i Mobile Office (GMO) phones to clients providing critical communication support for the Canterbury region. Thanks to David Johnston, his team and the Air New Zealand account team who helped get them down to Chch. More units and Wifi voicerouters will be provided over the next day or two and we’ve been hearing lots of stories just like this one. It’s inspirational the way you come together to support our people and clients during times of crisis. Guys, again my thanks for all you are doing to help and the way everyone across NZ and Aussie are stepping up to support our Canterbury colleagues and clients – you continue to make me incredibly proud. Our clients really appreciate our efforts too and I’ve been absolutely humbled by the many messages of thanks and offers to support they’ve sent us.

We’re fully committed to making sure we keep you up to date with what’s happening.  So that the messaging is clear and consistent right across the Telecom Group all internal communications around the quake are going to come from our central channels which includes email updates from Paul Reynolds and me, our Intranet emergency pages, Pulse,  Telecom.co.nz/staff, Facebook/supportourstaff,  my Twitter feed, and Gen-i Twitter

Next week we were scheduled to kick-off Life on Gen-i St but we’ve made the call not to hold next week’s sessions so we can all focus on doing what we can to support our people and our clients. We’re absolutely committed to having these sessions but because we know so many of you are impacted personally by this crisis or are stepping up to help, we’ll postpone the ones for next week. We’ll keep you posted on the new dates.

Like all of you, we are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of so many people in yesterday’s devastating events and pray for the safe return of loved ones who are still missing. Please know that we stand with you guys and the Canterbury community and if there’s anything we can do to help, please let us know.  

Kia kaha

CQ