26 September 2001 Media Statement
Econet-Hautaki Joint Venture Good News For Mäori
Mäori Affairs Minister, Hon Parekura Horomia has welcomed the news that Econet Wireless has entered into a commercial
arrangement with Hautaki Ltd, on behalf of Te Huarahi Tika Trust.
Mr Horomia says the joint venture is absolutely in line with the coalition Government’s commitment to increasing Maori
participation and involvement in the information and telecommunications sector.
"This morning's announcement endorses the Government’s decision to provide Maori with an option on purchasing the
management rights to a block of the 3G spectrum. The venture will ensure Mäori are shareholders in a company at the
cutting edge of technological change in New Zealand. The joint venture also has the potential to create new training and
employment opportunities as well as investment opportunities for Mäori. Of course all cellular phone users will benefit
from the added competition of a third mobile network in New Zealand."
Te Huarahi Tika Trust was established last year, prior to the auction of management rights to 3rd generation radio
spectrum, when the government granted Mäori the right to purchase some of the management rights. Te Hautaki is a trustee
company that holds the management rights on behalf of the Trust.
Mr Horomia acknowledged the work of members on both groups, paying special tribute to the chairperson Bill Osborne.
"Many people were sceptical that a partner would ever be found for a joint venture. The Trust, and in particular the
directors that negotiated the deal with Econet Wireless NZ, need to be congratulated for pulling together this deal. Now
that the deal has been signed, the trust can investigate ways to use the ownership of the management rights to increase
Mäori participation in the telecommunications sector."
Mr Horomia is aware of the importance of the Telecommunications Bill, which the Commerce Select Committee has spent the
last four months considering submissions on.
"The Select committee has considered a number of complex issues with a view to developing a robust regulatory regime for
telecommunications which best serves all New Zealanders. I look forward to the Bill being progressed through the House.”
ENDS