It’s been a strong yearacross the board, with our network, service and commercial performance delivering some of our best ever results. We acted early to get ahead of the economic challenges, and at the same time, we have a very supportive owner (Infratil) who backs us and continues to invest in us for growth. This means we will have even more momentum as the economy rebounds. This all comes down to having a fantastic team of Kiwis who are working their butts off for New Zealand.
What will be your biggest business challenges in 2025?
Helping the country to continue to be confident. We live and work in the greatest country on the planet. It’s not Australia that is the “lucky country” – it’s us. If we get on the offensive and go for growth as a business community, then everyone wins.
SpaceX and AI. There should be huge customer demand for our new network service with SpaceX as people look to keep their teams, businesses, family and friends safer. AI is a generational technology shift that is coming at us fast and we want to ensure that our people are world leaders in AI and our customers massively benefit from agentic and autonomous artificial intelligence.
What will it take to kickstart New Zealand’s economy?
A clear long-term strategy for the country across the key areas of housing, health, education and infrastructure that business can back. I think we are getting close on this. Removing the red tape that gets in the way of business executing and going for growth would help, too.
How will a Donald Trump presidency affect the geopolitical dynamics?
The “America first” approach may lead to a reduction in international relationships and agreements in areas like trade, security and climate change. Other countries stepping in to fill this void could then shift the global power dynamics. However, America has voted - so the most pragmatic way for a country of our scale is to be nimble and move fast when we find an opportunity.
What are the concrete actions your company has taken to reduce climate change?
We reduced our emissions by 24% this year compared to last year. This included saving 1720 tCO2e [tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent] over the last two years with dynamic network power management in our cell sites and purchasing 100% renewable energy via Meridian. We also recycled 30.4 tonnes of e-waste in the last quarter, diverting 97.5% from landfill.
How are you increasing diversity in your business?
Women make up 49% of our senior leadership group, 38% of our workforce overall and we are a member of Global Women. We have nine employee networks that celebrate diversity (Ngātahi Networks), including Mana Wahine (empowering women), Ngā Kākano (Māori), The Pasifika Collective, Rainbow Whānau (LGBTQ+), Salaam Network (Muslim), the Neurodiversity Network and the One NZ Chinese network. Our Māori strategy aims to uphold our policy for honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and we also have partnerships with most iwi around Aotearoa, including a strategic partnership with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.
Custom Warriors decals on One NZ CEO Jason Paris's shoes. Photo / Cole Slawson
What is your New Year’s resolution?
Prioritise my health more, spend as much time with my family as possible and do whatever it takes to help the One NZ Warriors to win their first premiership.
Where and how are you holidaying this summer?
Invercargill for Christmas and Ōmaha for the New Year. Sport, BBQs, family and friends.
The Spanish drama Money Heist. Photo / Netflix
What would you recommend as a good series to stream over summer?
I don’t get to watch a lot of television, so it’s a real treat when I do. I’ve just finished the Spanish series Money Heist and loved it. For next summer I can recommend pre-ordering my wife’s new psychological thriller book, See How They Fall – it’s a cross between Big Little Lies and Succession.
