East Coast Iwi and 2degrees join forces

An innovative partnership announced today between a collective of Ngati Porou organisations and mobile telecommunications company 2degrees, will offer substantial benefits to members of the East Coast-based tribe.

Under the collaboration, 2degrees will provide all mobile voice and data services to Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou, Ngati Porou Fisheries, Pakihiroa Farms, Ngati Porou Hauora, Ngati Porou Forests, East Coast Rugby Union and Radio Ngati Porou. This will include hundreds of connections and further benefits to the Iwi’s membership.

The partnership with 2degrees ushers in a new approach by the Iwi to leverage off the tribe’s combined commercial interests says Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou Chairman, Dr Apirana Mahuika.

“By working together we have negotiated an agreement which will not only generate significant cost savings across all our organisations, but will also upgrade our technology and services. For many of our staff based out in the community, particularly our rural health workers, the increased access to important data through their mobile devices will help them to work in a more efficient and effective manner.”

Dr Mahuika also acknowledged 2degrees for their commitment to working with Ngati Porou and for customising a business model which includes the creation of a Ngati Porou/2degrees Community Rebate fund to be launched early September.

2degrees Head of Dealer Sales, Mark Payne says the contract with Ngati Porou means more than just business.

“We have a very strong connection with Maori given our beginnings were thanks to the incredible vision and foresight they had for 2degrees over a decade ago. We are honoured that Ngati Porou have recognised our company as a commercial partner and want to do business with us. We look forward to our journey together, which will include exploring new ways for the tribe to connect and engage with Iwi members.”