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A collective of Ngāti Porou organisations has signed a deal with mobile telecommunications company 2degrees.
Apirana Mahuika, the chair of Te Rūnanganui ō Ngāti Porou, says 2degrees will provide all mobile voice and data services to the rūnanga, Ngāti Porou Fisheries, Pakihiroa Farms, Ngāti Porou Hauora, Ngāti Porou Forests, East Coast Rugby Union and Radio Ngāti Porou.
He says the deal will save money and give community-based staff including rural health workers access to data through mobile devices.
A Ngāti Porou/2degrees Community Rebate fund will be launched early next month.
Shareholders in 2degrees include Hautaki, the commercial arm of Te Huarahi Tika Māori Spectrum Trust, but the company has not previously developed any specific marketing plan to reach the potential half million Māori consumers.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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