Catherine and Vernon Douglas of Alcom Communications were proud to nominate Laurie Colvin for the Radio Frequency Users Association of New Zealand (RFUANZ) Lifetime Service Award.
A Lasting Legacy
Over more than 50 years in the New Zealand radio industry, Laurie has made an extraordinary contribution. His passion for radio, inquisitive mind, technical expertise and boundless energy have left a lasting mark on the industry and on the many people fortunate enough to work alongside him.
Together with his wife, Anna, Laurie built a successful communications business in Gisborne. Their son, Tim, has worked alongside his father for more than 20 years and is a highly respected technician in his own right. There is little doubt that radio communications runs deep in the Colvin family.
At his core, Laurie is a highly skilled technician, but he is equally respected as a visionary business leader and generous contributor to the wider industry. He has always been willing to share his knowledge, explore new opportunities and support others whenever help is needed.
While Laurie began his career as a radio technician with the Post Office, it is his leadership and vision in later years that have truly distinguished him.
Mentor, Collaborator and Friend
We have experienced Laurie’s generosity firsthand. When we purchased Alcom Communication Services Ltd, Laurie was one of the first people we contacted. From that very first conversation, Laurie and Anna were welcoming, supportive and eager to help us establish ourselves within the industry.
What began as occasional technical and business advice evolved into a valued partnership. Today, Alcom Communications and Colvins Communications regularly collaborate, sharing resources, expertise and ideas across a range of projects. Laurie has been a mentor, trusted adviser and friend to the entire Alcom team.
A Vision That Connects Communities
When Tier 3 digital radio technology was first introduced to New Zealand, Laurie immediately recognised its potential for rural operators who depended on reliable communications. He envisioned a VHF network that could serve forestry companies, councils, Civil Defence organisations and other critical users across the East Coast.
Rather than waiting for others to act, Laurie invested in the vision himself. Under his leadership, the Colvin team built a VHF network spanning Gisborne and the East Coast.
That vision has since grown through collaboration with Communicate NZ in Hawke’s Bay and Alcom Communications in the Bay of Plenty. Together, we have expanded the network’s reach across multiple regions, creating a communications platform that serves some of New Zealand’s most challenging and remote environments.
Proven When It Mattered Most
The network’s performance during and after Cyclone Gabrielle demonstrated its true value.
As power, internet and cellular networks failed across large parts of the East Coast and Hawke’s Bay, the system became a vital communications lifeline. Civil Defence, Police and many other organisations relied on the network to maintain critical communications while infrastructure was restored. At peak demand, network utilisation reached approximately 95% — well above normal operating levels — yet it continued to perform when it was needed most.
Today, the network covers much of the Central North Island, including many of the region’s major forestry operations. New customers continue to join through referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations, and all three partner organisations remain committed to expanding coverage as demand grows.
Looking ahead, there is even potential to create nationwide connectivity through integration with Nexus, the South Island’s digital radio network.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Although each network remains independently owned and operated, they work together as a larger connected system. Without Laurie’s vision, technical expertise, mentorship and enthusiasm, none of this would have been possible.
The network stands as a lasting testament to his ability to combine technical excellence with practical innovation and commercial insight.
Laurie is a humble pioneer whose contribution to the radio communications industry has been exceptional. His enduring passion for radio, deep understanding of customer needs and commitment to collaboration have helped shape the industry for more than five decades.
We congratulate Laurie on this well-deserved recognition, celebrate his remarkable achievements and look forward to continuing our relationship with Laurie, Tim and the entire Colvins team for many years to come.
