February 22, 2013
Pressure mounts to secure spectrum
A Māori spectrum claimant says Māori leaders need to rally behind the claim to protect a once in a generation opportunity.
The Government has decided it won’t allocate Māori any of the 700 megahertz spectrum needed for fourth generation mobile networks.
Communications Minister Amy Adams says it doesn’t agree with Waitangi Tribunal findings that spectrum is a tāonga, so it will go ahead with an auction.
Graeme Everton says it’s the first time since the claims were laid more than a decade ago and that Māori haven’t come up with some allocation. It’s a massive blow.
“I think the ministry has very well summed it up. This is a once in a generational opportunity, so what are we saying? If we don’t do something to put us in this once in a generational opportunity, are we not in it at all? Is the next generational Māori, locked out of that once in a lifetime opportunity? We don’t have any other options but to continue the pursuit to the crown through what other means we have”. Mr Everton says
Graeme Everton says as well as going back to the Waitangi Tribunal or High Court, the claimants should also be asking Māori leaders to lobby the Government on their behalf.
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