Maori bid for deal on spectrum

A Maori delegation has met Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples to put the case for Maori to be given preferential rights to radio spectrum released by the Government.

Dr Sharples says Maori are seeking an agreement with the Crown on "some general principles for allocating spectrum whenever blocks are released for use".

The Economic Development Ministry is considering how best to carve up "digital dividend" radio spectrum estimated to be worth more than $100 million that will be freed up by the closure of analogue television between 2013 and 2015.

The ministry is consulting on whether Maori should be given special rights to some of that spectrum, which is likely to be used to broadcast digital television and support new "4G" cellphone and wireless broadband networks.

Te Huarahi Tika Trust, part owner of 2degrees, has written to the ministry, arguing that public consultations on the spectrum are not a substitute for "a formal negotiation process with Maori as a treaty partner".

Dr Sharples says Maori with interests in spectrum came to him to explain their position.

The delegation represented the Maori Council, Nga Kaiwhakapumau, Te Huarahi Tika Trust and Maori broadcasters.

Dr Sharples says he has been happy to engage in negotiations to protect Maori interests in spectrum. "The digital dividend creates new opportunities for developments in Maori broadcasting, and technological advances are unlocking new ways to use higher frequencies.

"The Waitangi Tribunal, the courts and successive governments accepted Maori claims to broadcasting frequencies. However, Maori claims to higher frequencies remain unresolved."

Opposition broadcasting spokesman Brendon Burns was concerned the Government might have engaged in horse-trading over Maori Party support for the emissions trading scheme. Dr Sharples dismissed that. "None of these discussions on spectrum are related in any way to the ETS," he said.

Sources suggested the delegation's case had been helped by Te Huarahi Tika Trust making a "silk purse from the sow's ear" of a block of 3G spectrum controversially allocated to Maori at a 5 per cent discount to its market price in 2000.

The Waitangi Tribunal had earlier ruled spectrum was taonga. The incoming Labour government decided against specifically reserving spectrum for Maori, but offered the discount and a $5m grant.

Te Huarahi Tika Trust subsidiary Hautaki Trust exchanged the spectrum with African telco Econet for a stake in what is now New Zealand's third mobile network operator, 2degrees.

Hautaki Trust was the appropriate body to hold telecommunications frequencies that should be issued free-of-charge for the benefit of all Maori, Te Huarahi Tika Trust said.

The trust said it had used the spectrum allocated in 2000 to attract over $250m of foreign investment, create 250 permanent jobs at 2degrees and force Vodafone and Telecom to invest $1b into their networks. "Maori are long-term investors, investing for the benefit of all New Zealanders, and we pride ourselves on the outcomes achieved for all," trustee Antony Royal said.

Telecommunications companies are sparring with broadcasters including Sky Television over how much of the digital dividend spectrum should be allocated to their respective industries.

- © Fairfax NZ News