Academic slams Masterton broadband

PROBLEMS: Masterton-based Roger Morris is frustrated by internet connection woes.

Poor broadband and "awfully frustrating connectivity" in Wairarapa is a problem that needs to be addressed, says a Masterton-based academic.

Professor emeritus Roger Morris has lived in Masterton for almost 10 years and, although he has long since retired from his position at Massey University, he is "far from retired from work".

As a software development guru, he is frequently involved in international projects that deal with the detection and management of emerging diseases, using software he has developed.

His software incorporates factors like rainfall, temperatures and land use to predict where diseases such as Ebola are likely to occur.

"It doesn't matter where I am as long as I've got internet access," Professor Morris said.

"And my only complaint about Wairarapa is poor internet access. I keep writing to ministers, who say that everything is all good, and I say, well no it isn't.

"I was talking to my contact in Washington recently about a project and we couldn't follow each other, the line was breaking up so badly."

Professor Morris' long-term ties with Wairarapa began in 1990s as a key researcher involved in eradicating herd tuberculosis.

The software he developed for TB detection and management in Wairarapa is similar to what he is using to detect West African outbreaks of Ebola today.

He bought a house in Castlepoint during his research but has since made Homebush his home.

"I'm a pretty good example of what the mayor and the council are trying to sell to Auckland. Masterton is a great location. But one thing that needs improving is the communications, broadband and so on, because it's very unsatisfactory here."

Professor Morris has been working closely with Masterton District Council's economic development manager Tina Nixon to win support on the issue.

He is also a promoter of Wairarapa's bid to receive part of $25 million in government funding, which would help establish a research institute in the region.