The country’s digital backbone relies on a relatively small number of critical systems working together. Access to emergency warnings, government information, banking services, healthcare systems and communications between first responders could all be affected. Experts noted that resilient communications are as critical as emergency response itself, ensuring warnings reach the public without delay. Dr Speidel’s work builds on years of international research into internet performance, resilience and communications infrastructure, including studies of vulnerable satellite and long-distance network links. As New Zealand continues investing in critical infrastructure, researchers hope the findings will help policymakers identify vulnerabilities before they are exposed during a real-world emergency.