2degrees introduces the world’s first Te Reo Māori smartphon

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For Immediate Release
2 November 2011

2degrees introduces the world’s first Te Reo Māori smartphone

2degrees announced the first Te Reo Māori smartphone today at the Te Huarahi Tika Trust annual general meeting.

Māori Affairs Minister, Dr Pita Sharples, took the first call on the Huawei Android smartphone from Te Huarahi Tika Trust Chair Daphne Luke this afternoon.

2degrees worked closely with handset manufacturer, Huawei, to translate all of the menus in its IDEOS X3 smartphone to Te Reo Māori.

2degrees Director and Hautaki Trust Board member Bill Osborne says making Te Reo Māori available in today’s mobile technology was a vision that the Hautaki Trust had when it helped found the company.

“Through Hautaki Trust, our primary objective was to engage Māori in the telecommunications industry,” adds Mr Osborne. “A further aim was to ensure that the Māori culture and language were embraced by modern information and communications technology, and the IDEOS X3 smartphone with Te Reo menu is testimony to the commitment to this goal by 2degrees and Māori.”

Mr Osborne says that these new handsets and a range of other initiatives demonstrate the value of the Māori investment in 2degrees, which has already delivered significant benefit to the New Zealand economy.

A recently released report by Venture Consulting showed $2.24 billion of benefits to the economy have already flown from the creation of 2degrees.

The Te Reo IDEOS X3 will be available from 2degrees retail stores before Christmas.

In October, 2degrees launched the Te Reo Huawei G6600 phone for $99 – a lower price option that gives more customers access to Te Reo Māori phones.

For more information about 2degrees products and plans, visit www.2degreesmobile.co.nz

ENDS

About the 2degrees company:
Launched in August 2009, 2degrees Mobile has significantly lowered the cost of making mobile phone calls and texts for Kiwis. The company has committed over $350 million to building New Zealand’s third mobile phone network. Company shareholders include US-based mobile communications specialists, Trilogy International Partners, as well as Hautaki Trust and Communication Venture Partners. The combined shareholders bring a wealth of international experience and knowledge which is of huge benefit to New Zealand mobile users. More information at: www.2degreesmobile.co.nz

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