2017年CRI Huawei supports New Zealand's telecom networks（在线收听）

Model presenting Huawei smartphone Mate7 [Photo: Xinhua]

Chinese tech giant Huawei has announced plans to invest 280 million U.S. dollars into a research and development facility in New Zealand, putting it on the page as a major player in the development of New Zealand's communication networks.

At least 70% of New Zealanders use smart phones, but few would realize that most of the networks they are accessing have been developed and built by China's Huawei Technologies.

"Their role is pivotal. They really are bringing the latest and greatest equipment to New Zealand, and we're making great use of it," said Paul Brislen, a technology commentator with Cadence Communications. Cadence Communications is a public relations and media relations service provider based in Auckland.

Now, Huawei is thanking New Zealand for its support by investing in research and development over the next five years.

"It's great to see this level of investment coming in. And I think the synergies between the New Zealand way of doing things and the Chinese way of doing things are really strong, and we should see a lot more of it. This is a great vote of confidence in the New Zealand market, and I think they'll be very pleased to see it coming in," added Brislen.

Huawei's investment will include building two university innovation labs and a new cloud data center, as well as making greater use of New Zealand-made technology.

Over the past 12 years, the Chinese technology company has been a player in the development of New Zealand's telecommunications industry.

By forming partnerships with all the major phone companies, it has helped build mobile and broadband networks across the entire country.

But it's not just about building more communication towers. Huawei also wants to tap into New Zealand's reputation as an early adopter of new technology under the bilateral free trade agreement.

"We see that ambition here in New Zealand and that willingness to embrace technology and try new things. The more that's happening at a country-to-country level, at a business-to-business level, that's really good for New Zealand, and I can only see an upside really for the country," said Andrew Bowater, Director of Public Affairs and Communications of Huawei Technologies New Zealand.

Huawei has already provided funding for innovation hubs like Biz Dojo, a shared office space provider in Auckland, where entrepreneurs get access to their state-of-the-art technology. It now wants to expand its "Seeds for the Future" program, so that more university undergraduates can study in China.

Huawei is also planning to introduce the new 5G technology, which is likely to see New Zealand more connected than ever.