Alumni Spotlight: Tex Edwards Founder, 2degrees

A Howick College student from 1976 to 1980, Tex Edwards went on to complete a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Auckland before building a career that would fundamentally reshape New Zealand's telecommunications landscape.

With over 30 years of experience across international banking, investment management and infrastructure deployment — including roles in London, New York and Johannesburg — Tex developed a sharp understanding of global markets and competitive industry dynamics. It was during this time, while conducting international spectrum valuations in London in October 2000, that the idea for a third New Zealand mobile operator first took shape.

In February 2001, Tex founded 2degrees. What followed was a decade of determined, ground-up work: investing $10 million of his own capital, navigating complex regulatory reform through the new New Zealand Telecommunications Act, forging a landmark deal with Zimbabwean mobile operator Econet Wireless, and securing agreement with the New Zealand Government. He assembled a talented team, attracted investors, acquired radio spectrum and drove the build-out of a nationwide network — all with the goal of breaking the Telecom–Vodafone duopoly. Today, 2degrees holds a 23 percent share of New Zealand mobile connections.

Tex's influence on the sector extends beyond the business itself. He has authored 181 submissions to the Commerce Commission, MBIE and Treasury on competition legislation, monopoly reform and private sector infrastructure investment — cementing his reputation as one of New Zealand's most tenacious advocates for a more competitive marketplace.