Maori Spectrum Holder Announces Partnership

Tuesday 25 September

Hautaki Ltd

Maori Spectrum Holder Announces Partnership

Hautaki Ltd has confirmed today that it has entered a commercial arrangement with Econet Wireless NZ Ltd, the new cellphone service provider in New Zealand.

Hautaki Ltd is a trustee company that holds the management rights to the radio spectrum on behalf of its beneficiary Te Huarahi Tika Trust, a charitable trust that is responsible for delivering benefits to Maori through greater participation in the telecommunications sector.

“We have given EWNZ access to the 3G spectrum and, in return, we have the right to take up to a 30% shareholding in EWNZ,” said Mr Bill Osborne Chairman of Hautaki Limited, the Trustee that holds the rights to 3G Spectrum on behalf of all Maori.

“I believe that this is an excellent deal for Maori and for all New Zealanders. Econet has a value based, entrepreneurial foundation and has shown that it is an innovative and focused telecommunications company. I believe EWNZ will help break the dominance of the New Zealand cellphone market by two huge companies.”

“EWNZ will bring big benefits to New Zealanders and a successful new business will bring many benefits to Maori through our shareholding in EWNZ.”

“I would like to thank people for being patient as we worked to explore the best options for Maori and our ownership of spectrum rights. It has been very hard work and now we have something to show for it. I would also like to thank the Government for its understanding of how important the new telecommunications legislation will be in providing a regulatory environment that encourages competition.”

“The focus can now turn to making EWNZ a success and providing New Zealand cellphone users with an improved and competitive level of service.”

“In the coming months we will be communicating the details of our arrangement with EWNZ and our plans for the future. We’ve made good progress, but there is still a long way to go.

“We can only make progress if EWNZ is a success. We believe that it can be, and we will be working hard to assist EWNZ to meet its goals of a competitive and innovative cellphone service for all New Zealanders. In doing so, we will be able to achieve the goals of Te Huarahi Tika Trust and increase the participation by Maori in the telecommunications sector and the wider knowledge economy.”

Contact: Roger Mackey. 021 408 768

Background

Hautaki: the leading force or energy, providing direction, order and connection.

Te Huarahi Tika Trust: The right or proper pathway

The Directors of Hautaki Ltd are: Mr Bill Osborne (Chairman), Mr Paul Majurey, and Mr Brian Leighs.

The members of Te Huarahi Tika Trust are Mr Bill Osborne (Chairman), Mr Neville Baker, Ms Gabrielle Huria, Mr Robert McLeod, Mr Paul Majurey, Ms Mavis Mullins, Mr Taari Nicholas, Mr Archie Taiaroa, Ms Jacqui Te Kani Mr Hemi Toia, Mr Derek Wooster, Mr Tainui Stephens and Mr Haydn Edmonds.

The Trust was established in 2000 prior to the auction of management rights to 3rd generation radio spectrum and following the Government’s decision to grant Maori the right to purchase management rights to a portion of the radio spectrum. Its aim is to use any proceeds from the ownership of the management rights to increase participation by Maori in the knowledge economy, particularly the telecommunications sector.

ENDS

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