Frequently Asked Questions

What is KAREN?

KAREN is the Kiwi Advanced Research and Education Network. It provides high-capacity, high speed internet to New Zealand’s research, education and innovation sectors.

Why was KAREN established?

KAREN was established to meet the need of the research, education and innovation sectors in New Zealand to collaborate on initiatives, both nationally and internationally.

KAREN is fundamental to New Zealand’s vision of being a world leader in using information and technology to realise economic and cultural goals.

It is also essential infrastructure in New Zealand to keep pace with the rest of the world.

How quickly can KAREN transfer data?

Data can be transferred through KAREN at up to 10 gigabits a second.

Who can use KAREN?

KAREN can only be accessed by members, associate members or partners. Members are the tertiary education institutions, Crown research institutes and the National Library.

KAREN’s associate members comprise agencies providing specialised research or specialised social services (such as Health and Education).

KAREN's partners are organisations, public or private, whose primary mission is not research or education but who wish to connect to conduct research and/or education with one of our members or associate members.

Who are KAREN’s current members?

KAREN’s 18 members include all of New Zealand’s universities and Crown research institutes and the National Library.

Future membership is anticipated from polytechnics, schools and museums.

Who administers KAREN?

KAREN is administered by the Research and Education Advanced Network New Zealand Ltd (REANNZ), a Crown owned company established for that purpose.

How is KAREN related to the Government Shared Network (GSN)?

KAREN and GSN are two complementary Government initiatives. KAREN is to provide high-speed, high-capacity internet services to research and education communities.

The GSN is a network that will enable government agencies to share information at higher speeds and more cost effectively. The aim is to improve the delivery of information and services provided by government agencies to the New Zealand public.

KAREN does not compete with GSN for customers or services. The two networks have quite different objectives; it is just they may share some of the same customer base.

Link to http://www.e.govt.nz/services/gsn for more information.

Who can I talk to about getting connected?

Contact us to discuss membership and connection options. 

Who can I talk to about technical issues?

Email us at: techinfo@reannz.co.nz


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