26 Feb 2013

Civil court case claim to spectrum considered

9:57 am on 26 February 2013

A Maori group fighting for rights to the radio spectrum is considering taking a civil case again the Crown.

A claim to a portion of a broadcasting band that will soon be available has been rejected by the Government, which will instead auction off the technology that will be used for a more efficient generation of mobile phones.

The Maori Spectrum Coalition will ask the Waitangi Tribunal to hear its claim but the group is also assessing whether it should take a case through the courts.

Coalition member Antony Royal said Treaty partners won't settle for a 'no' from the Government.

He said, if the issue is not resolved this generation, there are plenty of people lining up to take on the fight.

Mr Royal said the problem is not being solved by saying no.