REANNZ (Research and Education Advanced Network New Zealand Ltd) is the Crown-owned company set up to establish, own and operate a high-speed telecommunications network for the research and education sectors.

KAREN (Kiwi Advanced Research and Education Network) provides high-capacity, high-speed broadband between research, education and innovation organisations in New Zealand and with similar organisation overseas.

Objectives

The objectives of REANNZ are to:
 

• Operate in a financially sustainable manner and manage foreseeable upgrades and increases in network capacity through the accumulation of reserves
  
• Run the company in such a way that it:
• enables leading edge e-research
• facilitates universal connectivity throughout the New Zealand and international research and education community
• encourages broad participation by the research and education sector in New Zealand through accessible technology and reasonable pricing
• connects research and education sector to the broader innovation community for pre-commercial, research and development based collaboration
• facilitates participation by multiple telecommunications sector partners so as to ensure the greatest possible flexibility for ongoing evolution.
  
• Endeavour to transfer the Crown's share in the company to users (for example, tertiary education institutes and Crown research institutes) within a reasonable timeframe.

Organisation form

REANNZ is a Crown-owned company, listed under schedule 4 of the Public Finance Act 1989 and incorporated under the Companies Act 1993.  Its shareholders are the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Research, Science & Technology.  Each shareholder holds 500 shares on behalf of the New Zealand public.

Although REANNZ is not a Crown Entity listed under the Crown Entities Act, it is the intent of the shareholders that it act in a manner consistent with the Crown Entities Act.  REANNZ is subject to the Official Information Act.

Accountability 

The functions and purpose of the company are contained in its Constitution and further augmented by its Statement of Intent.

Its performance is monitored by CCMAU, in conjunction with the Treasury.  The Ministry of Research, Science & Technology maintains a policy oversight role on REANNZ's outcomes.

Building capability

Funding for training and research opportunities that enhance the use of the Advanced Network was available through REANNZ's Capability Build Fund. This fund is now exhausted.