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Network for Learning delivers boost in school digital infrastructure with nearly a third of Managed Network Upgrades now completed
The Network for Learning (N4L) is announcing a significant milestone in the rollout of its Managed Network Upgrade, with nearly a third of all schools and kura across Aotearoa New Zealand now having access to next-generation internet infrastructure.
Fully funded for all state and state-integrated schools and kura, the delivery of these upgrades to 750 schools so far is a key step forward and marks significant progress in N4L’s commitment to deliver faster, safer, and more secure digital learning environments for students and educators nationwide. For the first time, the new Managed Network is allowing N4L to operate as a virtual Internet Service Provider, managing internet service delivery directly to schools and delivering services more efficiently, more affordably, and with greater responsiveness than ever before.
The Managed Network Upgrade involves replacing school firewalls before they reach end-of-life, and switching to a new internet connection. All schools are scheduled to complete the upgrade before mid-2026.
Last year, Palo Alto Networks Ltd and 2degrees Mobile Ltd (2degrees) were awarded the long-term contracts as key partners in delivering the upgrade, following a competitive procurement process where the objective was to deliver best value for money for the Crown.
Wellington’s Island Bay School, a primary school with 340 students on its roll, is one of the schools to have been upgraded. Principal Deborah Fenton says the process was quick and easy, with little or no disruption to school operations.
“On the day, there was very little impact on us, so N4L did a really good job,” she says. “The upgrade happened in a single afternoon. N4L knew the times of day we needed to do important things, so they were able to flex to our needs and choose the most insignificant time of the school day to do it.” Deborah says she also values the safety and security solutions N4L delivers, which offer an excellent level of protection for Island Bay School and their students.
“One of the biggest things that N4L provides is helping protect our ākonga from accessing things like websites and social media, which is a really amazing service to have in a school. Helping us keep kids protected is the number one thing N4L does really well.”
N4L CEO Larrie Moore says: “Completing the upgrade of more than 750 schools to the new Managed Network is a significant milestone in our goal of providing next-generation, fit-for-purpose, digital infrastructure to schools and kura across New Zealand. All schools, big or small, urban or rural, will be able to have access to enterprise-grade internet and cybersecurity, ensuring high-quality, fit-for-purpose digital services that best support modern teaching and learning. This hard mahi is allowing schools to concentrate on what matters most: teaching and learning.”
Rob Campbell, Hautū Te Pou Rangatōpū | Deputy Secretary Corporate, Ministry of Education, says: “Ensuring all schools and kura have access to safe and resilient digital infrastructure is a key priority for the Ministry of Education. This important milestone in the Managed Network Upgrade programme reflects the strength of our partnership with N4L and our shared commitment to supporting digital equity, cybersecurity, and better learning outcomes for ākonga across Aotearoa.”
Misti Landtroop, Managing Director, New Zealand, Palo Alto Networks, says: “Palo Alto Networks is proud to partner with N4L to rollout the new Managed Network to schools across Aotearoa. By delivering our next-generation firewall, cybersecurity technologies and web filtering, we’re providing a robust platform that enables safer, more efficient digital learning environments for students and educators nationwide.”
Mark Callander, CEO of 2degrees, says: “We’re proud to support N4L in delivering reliable, high-performance connectivity to schools across the motu. At 2degrees, we’re committed to building a better-connected Aotearoa, and it’s exciting to see that vision being realised in classrooms across the country.”
ENDS
For more information, please contact: Andrew Drever, Corporate Communications Manager, Network for Learning, on 027 700 5643 or media@n4l.co.nz
About the Managed Network Upgrade: Network for Learning, with its key partners Palo Alto and 2degrees, is delivering the next iteration of the Managed Network service to schools and kura across Aotearoa New Zealand. The new Managed Network is a robust, scalable digital platform that is future-proofing its internet, cybersecurity, and filtering services. Palo Alto is responsible for delivering the next generation of on-premise firewalls, along with advanced cybersecurity and web filtering services, while 2degrees is providing internet services. For the first time, N4L is taking full ownership and management of the Managed Network, resulting in enhanced cost efficiency, service flexibility, and a greater ability to manage provisioning and service delivery. As the largest Managed Network Service for education in Australasia, N4L’s Managed Internet connects 2,500 schools and 905,000 students and teachers to faster, safer and more secure internet. The transition of schools over to N4L’s new service began in February 2025 and is expected to complete in mid-2026.
About The Network for Learning (N4L): Network for Learning (N4L) delivers a wide range of managed internet, Wi-Fi and cybersecurity products and services, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, to schools and kura. The Crown company operates and secures one of the largest managed broadband internet networks in Aotearoa New Zealand, accounting for nearly 25% of the country’s daytime business internet traffic. Their cybersafety solutions and security expertise help 905,000 tumuaki, kaiako and ākonga across 2,500 schools enjoy daily access to safer and more secure digital learning experiences. Working alongside its government, education and private sector technology partners, N4L helps connect, protect and support schools through award-winning customer service and smart, world-class technology solutions that are simply delivered. See www.n4l.co.nz
About 2degrees: 2degrees is a leading full-service telecommunications provider, committed to fighting for fair for Kiwis and businesses. 2degrees provides broadband, mobile, and electricity services to more than two million customers. Since its launch, 2degrees has been on a mission to disrupt the market, standing up for fairness and flexibility in an industry that needed change. With mobile and internet coverage spanning 98.5% of the country, and a network of 54 retail stores, 2degrees keeps Kiwis connected wherever they live and work. 2degrees is backed by award-winning customer service, and delivers innovative solutions, allowing customers to choose the connectivity options that suit them best. Through custom-built technology platforms and a commitment to doing things differently, 2degrees empowers Kiwis to stay connected on their own terms.
