Outage in Bay of Plenty fibre network – We’re working fast to get you back on line

Tā Mātou Kōrero - Our story

Whanaungatanga. 

Relationships. 

Connections. 

It’s the heart of what we do. From the very beginning, Tuatahi First Fibre has been built on connections. Connections among individuals who came together to create a network that fosters… connections. 

Connections between colleagues. Connections between businesses. Connections between friends and family. We connect people, and we connect with people. From engaging with our communities through volunteering and sponsorship of the Gallagher Chiefs, to partnering with local organisations that empower women in technology, we are dedicated to supporting meaningful connections. 

At Tuatahi, our commitment to whanaungatanga goes beyond mere connectivity. We are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those we connect. This means supporting educational initiatives, promoting digital inclusion, and investing in the future of our communities. Our desire is for every connection we make to help foster growth, create opportunities, and drive innovation. Our network is not just about technology; it’s about building a future where everyone can thrive, stay connected, and feel supported. This is the essence of who we are and what we stand for. 

Our name

Tuatahi First Fibre was selected as our brand because it's distinct and resonates with customers, reflecting the heart of New Zealand. It is enriched with the essence of "mana" capturing not only our function but also our spirit – grounded in the authentic value of our products and honours our multicultural society. 

Our symbol

Our symbol, shaped like the letter ‘T’, is inspired by the cross-section and front elevation of a fibre optic cable – the essence of our offering. The side view reflects the cable – symbolising our fast and reliable network. The dot represents the light at the cable’s end – illustrating the clarity of our connections. 

Our visual identity 

Every element of our visual identity reflects the essence of our brand – clean, modern, and minimalist with a bold, approachable, and friendly character. 

Our colours

Our colour palette is inspired by the land within our regions as pictured below. Orange serves as our core colour, chosen for its vibrant, energising qualities that reflect the spirit of the land. 

Colour graphics

Our history 

Tuatahi First Fibre’s journey began in 2010, with a mission to bring the power of fibre broadband to eight regions in New Zealand. Backed by Crown Infrastructure Partners, Tuatahi First Fibre laid its foundation as a key player in Aotearoa’s digital transformation. 

In 2011, we connected our very first customers in Hamilton, a pivotal moment that set the stage for ambitious growth. Over the next few years, the momentum built as we expanded our network. By 2015, we completed our initial network build, providing fibre connectivity to thousands of homes and businesses in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, and Whanganui regions. 

We didn’t stop there. As the demand for high-speed internet soared, we continued our expansion, connecting over 200,000 customers by 2019. Significant milestones included extending the UFB (Ultra-Fast Broadband) network to rural and underserved areas, ensuring more communities could benefit from world-class internet services. 

When the world faced the unprecedented challenges of 2020, Tuatahi rose to meet the moment. Overnight, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of resilient internet infrastructure, with sustained levels of internet traffic never seen before. Online schooling became a lifeline for students, remote working transformed how businesses operated, and online shopping soared as households adapted to lockdowns. Fibre broadband shifted rapidly from being a “nice-to-have” convenience to an essential service - a fundamental necessity for keeping Aotearoa connected, productive, and resilient. 

Our ambitions continued to expand, with new projects in growing regions like Drury and a continued focus on connecting communities and bridging digital divides. 

Today, Tuatahi serves over 40 towns and cities, with a network extending over 6,000 km. Operating as a wholesale entity, we partner with internet service providers, who in turn offer a diverse range of plans and services to customers using our robust network. This collaboration has enabled us to reach over 254,000 households and businesses across regions including Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū-Whanganui, Taranaki, and Auckland.  

Our legacy of innovation and community focus positions us as a leader in shaping Aotearoa’s digital future. 

Our values and culture

At Tuatahi First Fibre, our values are more than just words – they guide how we connect, collaborate, and create meaningful experiences every day. Our values are woven into the fabric of everything we do. Whether it's through mahi tahi (collaboration), whanaungatanga (connection), manaakitanga (caring), or auaha (innovation), these principles remind us of who we are. 

00:58
Mahi Tahi (Collaboration)
01:44
Whanaungatanga (Connection)
02:18
Manaakitanga (Caring)
1:09
Auaha (Innovation)

Our people, our places

"Kaimiro holds a special place in our history as the location of Tuatahi First Fibre's very first connection" 

“It’s all about connections. The people and the places that are part of our history”  

“We had several people I call pioneers who had the courage and forsight to participate in the UFB – Julian Elder, William Hamilton, David Smith – three key people”