What We Do | Ā Mātou Mahi

1. Provide operational support to the Māori Spectrum Working Group

The Māori Spectrum Working Group (MSWG) was established in 2019 to secure Māori rights and interests in the telecommunications spectrum.
The group continues to negotiate with the Crown, Māori, and the telecommunications sector, to develop an enduring solution that will ultimately hold and manage those interests.
As a result of the MSWG's work, Tū Ātea Limited was established.

The MSWG continues to:

Seek to establish the future enduring governance and spectrum management arrangements.
Undertake continuous negotiations with the Crown to agree enduring spectrum-related arrangements.
Engage with Iwi and Māori on the potential of the telecommunications sector to change lives and livelihoods.

2. Build a spectrum innovation programme

Invite Māori and others to collaborate, test and prototype new wireless technologies, products and services using our upcoming innovation lab and private 5G network environment.
Help build Māori commercial capability in spectrum management and use.
Undertake and support technical and commercial research and development on potential new uses for spectrum.
Focus on rural connectivity and communities, alongside national and global opportunities.
Test and develop commercial and economic models for benefits of long-term allocation of spectrum.
Build a strategic global and local partnership portfolio to bring resources and expertise to Tū Ātea and its stakeholders.

3. Build a workforce programme

Establish a Future Māori Leaders group to support the next generation of a telecommunications workforce, specialists and future leaders.
Help grow telecommunications-related skills and capability amongst Māori with a view to work and businesses.
Support telecommunications-related learning and workforce aspirations of Māori individuals, Iwi and Māori-owned companies and enterprises.
Build a strategic global and local partnership programme for resources and expertise, including quality industry trainers and education providers.

4. Build a strong commercial programme

Build and enable the use of our spectrum assets to support both commercial and non-commercial objectives.
Pursue financial and growth opportunities.
Monitor investment opportunities.
Create a sustainable commercial model that supports Tū Ātea to grow and strengthen its resilience and longevity.

5. Build an influential policy programme

Engage with the New Zealand Government on key and critical policy areas that are crucial for advancing rural connectivity, strengthening community resilience, fostering innovation and supporting workforce development.
Be actively involved in discussions around spectrum allocation with the government.
Ensure the needs and aspirations of Māori communities, particularly rural, are prioritised.
Promote policies that support industry growth and innovation, and provide opportunities for Māori to thrive.

Through its involvement in the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Tū Ātea is also working to align spectrum policies with broader goals of economic growth, environmental sustainability and social equity. This collaboration highlights Tū Ātea's commitment to ensuring that Māori perspectives are integrated into the future of New Zealand's telecommunications landscape, contributing to a more connected, resilient and innovative society, and building a strong and skilled Māori workforce to help drive the industry forward.