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.