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Techday NZ
17 hours ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Telesmart joins AoG Marketplace to provide secure network services
Telesmart has been listed in the All-of-Government (AoG) Marketplace for its Network Management and Administration services in New Zealand. The company offers a full range of Cisco Meraki products and related network solutions, covering local area networks (LAN), SD-WAN, Wi-Fi access points, firewalls, security products, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, security cameras, and a centralised management dashboard for administrators. Through its inclusion in the AoG Marketplace, Telesmart is now more accessible to public sector organisations seeking network management services that align with government information security requirements. Government standards Telesmart's membership confirms that its services meet key government standards for information security, including adherence to the Protective Security Requirements (PSR) and the guidelines set out in the New Zealand Information Security Manual (NZISM). The AoG Marketplace functions as a procurement hub, allowing public sector agencies to identify and engage suppliers with appropriate credentials and capabilities for ICT services. Nigel Barker, Chief Executive Officer at Telesmart, said, "We're pleased to be listed in the AoG Marketplace for our network services, it's a clear signal that our customers are working with a provider who takes security seriously and delivers with integrity." To gain this listing, Telesmart provided a range of documentation, including ISO 27001 certification, SOC 2 Type 2 reports, independent audit results, and internal governance policies that demonstrate their commitment to robust security practices and corporate governance. Supplier assessment facilitated The AoG Marketplace listing streamlines the supplier evaluation processes for New Zealand's public sector organisations, allowing them to devote less time and resources to supplier due diligence. Each public sector agency is still required to conduct its own risk assessment on potential suppliers, but Telesmart's listing in the Marketplace is intended to give agencies greater initial confidence in the company's security posture. Geof Robinson, Chief Information Security Officer at Telesmart, said, "Public sector teams face constant pressure to deliver secure, reliable services - often with limited time and resources. Being listed in the Marketplace simplifies that challenge, empowering agencies to choose technology with confidence without adding unnecessary complexity." In addition to network management and administration, Telesmart offers managed telephony, IT support for network operations, and cloud collaboration solutions. These services are intended to provide organisations with resilient and unified communication and IT environments. Approach to service delivery Telesmart provides tailored solutions to support organisations requiring personalised attention or who face challenges obtaining this level of care from other providers. The company's service delivery model focuses on practical outcomes, such as enhancing operational resilience, enabling remote work, and simplifying communications channels for teams distributed across different locations. The approach to customer request management features a review process in which relevant technical experts are assigned to each service request. Progress on resolving issues is monitored through a set of quality dashboards, and a formal escalation structure is in place. Service issues can be elevated from the Help Desk Manager to the Head of Professional Services and ultimately to the Chief Executive Officer if required. This escalation path is intended to ensure accountability and the speedy resolution of customer concerns. Information security and operational needs Secure, well-managed networks remain a core requirement for a broad range of organisations in New Zealand. Schools, healthcare providers, local governments, and national government departments must ensure their networks are secure and that their ICT providers are responsive to both technical and practical service challenges. Through its inclusion in the AoG Marketplace, Telesmart is positioned as a supplier that meets the government's requirements for information security and network management, offering public sector organisations an option for secure and scalable ICT services. "We're pleased to be listed in the AoG Marketplace for our network services, it's a clear signal that our customers are working with a provider who takes security seriously and delivers with integrity." "Public sector teams face constant pressure to deliver secure, reliable services - often with limited time and resources. Being listed in the Marketplace simplifies that challenge, empowering agencies to choose technology with confidence without adding unnecessary complexity."


Techday NZ
7 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Telesmart secures key government security endorsement for ICT
Telesmart has received an official endorsement from the Department of Internal Affairs for its Network Management and Administration services. The endorsement, granted through the All-of-Government (AoG) Marketplace, positions Telesmart among a small group of Information Communications Technology providers in New Zealand who meet the government's standards for information security. The Marketplace is designed to assist public sector agencies in identifying reliable ICT suppliers whose services align with strict security benchmarks, including the Protective Security Requirements (PSR) and the New Zealand Information Security Manual (NZISM). Endorsement significance The Tier 2 Information Security Endorsement is based on the provision of current and relevant documentation. Telesmart was required to provide evidence such as ISO 27001 certification, SOC 2 Type 2 reports, results from independent audits, and internal governance policies to meet the Department of Internal Affairs' expectations. For public sector organisations considering Telesmart as an ICT supplier, the endorsement means that due diligence checks on information security standards can be streamlined. However, it remains the responsibility of each organisation to conduct its own risk assessments as part of their procurement processes. Nigel Barker, Chief Executive Officer at Telesmart, noted the significance of this recognition for the company and its clients: We're proud to be one of a select group of Information Communications Technology (ICT) providers in Aotearoa to receive this endorsement from the Department of Internal Affairs, it's a clear signal that our customers are working with a provider who takes security seriously and delivers with integrity. Streamlining public sector procurement Geof Robinson, Chief Information Security Officer at Telesmart, highlighted the endorsement's practical implications for government agencies and other eligible organisations: Public sector teams face constant pressure to deliver secure, reliable services - often with limited time and resources. This endorsement simplifies that challenge, empowering agencies to choose technology with confidence without adding unnecessary complexity. Telesmart's inclusion in the AoG Marketplace enables agencies to access a suite of Cisco Meraki products offered by the company, which includes local area network (LAN) components, SD-WAN, Wi-Fi access points, firewall and security solutions, internet of things (IoT) sensors, cameras, and a dashboard for centralised management. Features and approach In addition to its network management services, Telesmart provides managed telephony, IT support, and cloud solutions for a range of organisational needs. The company supports clients in achieving operational resilience, streamlining communications, and enabling flexible working environments. Telesmart regularly serves sectors such as local government, education, health, and public administration. One aspect that distinguishes Telesmart is its internal service model. Every request is reviewed to assign the correct technical team, and progress is monitored using quality dashboards. An escalation path from the Help Desk Manager to the Head of Professional Services and ultimately to the CEO has been set up to address issues and maintain accountability. Security and trust Secure, efficient network management remains a priority for many organisations, particularly in government and the broader public sector. Reliable ICT service providers are increasingly important, given regulatory, operational, and service delivery demands. The Department of Internal Affairs' endorsement of Telesmart reflects a level of confidence in the company's processes and service delivery, with public sector agencies now in a position to consider Telesmart as a pre-vetted supplier. According to Telesmart, this endorsement is an additional layer of assurance for organisations looking to ensure their technology services are secure, straightforward, and scalable, allowing them to meet their current and future needs.


Scoop
24-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Telesmart Earns Government Endorsement For Their Secure Network Services
Telesmart has been officially endorsed by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) for its Network Management and Administration services – a clear sign of the company's commitment to delivering secure, reliable technology to organisations in Aotearoa. Telesmart offers the comprehensive Cisco Meraki suite of products, including LAN, SD-WAN, Wi-Fi access points, firewalls, security solutions, IoT sensors, cameras, and a centralised management dashboard. 'We're proud to be one of a select group of Information Communications Technology (ICT) providers in Aotearoa to receive this endorsement from the Department of Internal Affairs, it's a clear signal that our customers are working with a provider who takes security seriously and delivers with integrity.' said Nigel Barker, Chief Executive Officer at Telesmart. This endorsement comes through the All-of-Government (AoG) Marketplace, which helps public sector agencies find trusted suppliers for ICT services. Telesmart's inclusion means its services meet key government standards for information security – including alignment with Protective Security Requirements (PSR) and the New Zealand Information Security Manual (NZISM). What the endorsement means The Tier 2 Information Security Endorsement is more than a formality. It shows that Telesmart has provided up-to-date and relevant documentation – including ISO 27001 certification, SOC 2 Type 2 reports, independent audits, and internal governance policies – that meet the DIA's expectations. For public sector teams, this means less time spent on supplier checks. While each organisation still needs to carry out its own risk assessment, the endorsement offers a strong starting point and added confidence in the service's security posture. A practical win for public sector teams Geof Robinson, Chief Information Security Officer at Telesmart, says the endorsement is a practical step forward: 'Public sector teams face constant pressure to deliver secure, reliable services - often with limited time and resources. This endorsement simplifies that challenge, empowering agencies to choose technology with confidence without adding unnecessary complexity.' Telesmart's endorsed service helps organisations manage their networks securely and efficiently. It's part of a broader offering that includes managed telephony, IT support, and cloud solutions – all designed to keep teams connected and protected. Built for organisations in Aotearoa Telesmart has built its reputation by supporting organisations that need tailored solutions and personal attention – particularly those who have challenges in finding that level of care or flexibility from other providers. The company focuses on outcomes that matter, like improving operational resilience, simplifying communications, and supporting remote work. What sets Telesmart apart is its hands-on approach. Every service request is reviewed to ensure the appropriate team of experts is assigned. Progress is tracked through quality dashboards, and if there are issues there's a clear escalation path from the Help Desk Manager to the Head of Professional Services, and ultimately to the CEO - a structure designed for accountability and fast resolution. Why it matters Secure and well-managed networks are essential. Whether it's a local council, school, healthcare provider, or government department, organisations need to know their ICT provider takes security seriously – and understands the practical realities of service delivery. This endorsement reinforces Telesmart's position as a trusted partner for organisations looking for straightforward, secure, and scalable ICT services.


The South African
19-06-2025
- General
- The South African
South Africa's iconic King Protea heads north as climate warms
On his farm two hours north of Johannesburg, Nico Thuynsma gestured towards thousands of orange, yellow and pink proteas in flower and thriving 1 500km from their natural home at the southern tip of Africa. 'They're all different,' the 55-year-old farmer said of the assorted blooms from the diverse Proteaceae family that has more than 350 species in South Africa, from firework-like 'pincushion' varieties to delicate 'blushing brides'. He picked out a majestic pink and white crown, nearly the size of his head, that has taken four years to reach its impressive size. 'The King Proteas are very slow to grow,' Thuynsma said. The largest of the proteas, the King Protea, is South Africa's national flower. It has lent its name to the national cricket team and countless brands. It features on the currency and is the logo for South Africa's presidency this year of the G20 group of leading economies, which convenes a summit in November. It is also the country's largest flower export with more than 10 million stems sent abroad last year, worth close to R275 million, according to the Cape Flora industry organisation. Its status offers the King Protea some protection but almost half of South Africa's other protea species face extinction because of pressures on their native habitats in the mountains of the Cape, according to South Africa's National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). These include habitat loss to agriculture, the proliferation of invasive alien species and 'changes to natural fire cycles', SANBI said in a 2021 report. 'People come to South Africa to see proteas,' Nigel Barker, a professor in plant sciences at the University of Pretoria, told AFP. 'It's the plant equivalent of the elephant or the lion.' The protea has lent its name to the national cricket team, features on the currency and is the logo for South Africa's G20 presidency. Image: Phill Magakoe / AFP Most proteas are endemic or semi-endemic to the Cape Floral Kingdom biome of 'fynbos' ('fine bush') that stretches across the southern tip of South Africa and is one of the world's richest flora biodiversity hotspots. But climate projections predict 'hotter, drier conditions', Barker said. 'We'll be looking at a completely different vegetation type in the future, semi-desert almost in some places.' 'Many species, because they're so range-restricted, will probably go extinct under those scenarios,' he said. 'People come to South Africa to see proteas,' says Nigel Barker, a professor in plant sciences at the University of Pretoria warned. Image: Phill Magakoe / AFP 'The only solution we have is to cultivate them artificially… in greenhouses or farms where you control irrigation,' Barker said. An example is Thuynsma's farm in the grasslands of the north, where he began planting proteas three decades ago. Here, winters are dry and frosty, and the summers rainy – conditions very different to those in the far south where the proteas are at home. Through trial and error, Thuynsma has been able to cultivate close to 200 protea varieties, including some long forgotten and abandoned by farmers in their original habitats. In his latest experiment, he has planted 36 varieties with just two litres (four pints) of saturated gel for irrigation. Through trial and error, Thuynsma has been able to cultivate close to 200 protea varieties. Image: Phill Magakoe / AFP 'I hope to unlock the power of some of these varieties,' Thuynsma said. 'They come from the Western Cape out of very harsh conditions, so they do have it in them.' 'I learn from them, I learn with them. And, hopefully, in the future I can advise my nursery public – and even estates – how to plant this lovely fynbos without irrigation,' he said. 'I don't think I have a solution for climate change,' he joked, crouched over a small seedling in freshly turned soil. 'But I do have a solution: to plant proteas.' A few metres (yards) away, in a warm nursery, thousands of protea sprouts awaited their turn in the soil. 'I love them, I protect them, I collect them,' Thuynsma said. 'The protea is part of South Africa's DNA.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Yahoo
Man fined for failing to talk to fly-tipping probe
A man has been fined £440 after a council investigation into fly-tipping in Derbyshire. North East Derbyshire District Council said it began looking into an incident after finding rubbish on Bole Hill, near Chesterfield, in September last year. A notice was served on Leon Davis, of Central Drive in Brimington, under section 108 of the Environment Act 1995 in November, but the authority said he failed to respond, leading to prosecution. The 42-year-old failed to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court for a hearing on Monday, and as well as the fine he has been ordered to pay £1,477.96 costs and a £176 victim surcharge. Following the sentencing, district council leader Nigel Barker said: "Fly-tipping is a serious offence that harms our environment and community. "We are committed to using all available resources to prosecute offenders to help keep our district clean." Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. North East Derbyshire District Council 'Fly-tipping filth is a disgrace on our streets' Hovercraft found dumped on rural road Work begins to clear 'nasty' illegal waste dump