National MP Maurice Williamson today released a document proposing a shonky deal between the Maori Council, Quest Communications, and the Government over the 3G spectrum allocation to Maori.

"This is a frightening document. It proposes gerrymandering, it discriminates and it widens the gap between the haves and the have nots among Maori.

"Some elements of this document are absolutely despicable. It proposes that profits be split among Maori on the Maori electoral roll only. Why are those on the Maori roll more important than Maori on the general roll?

"This document proposes that Maori get no special preference for the use of the network but their land will be used for antennae and the Maori Council will facilitate resource consent. At the sole discretion of Quest it will employ a maximum of 12 Maori, who must have a tertiary qualification, in senior management. Maori with lesser or no qualifications may be given "local training" in such roles as may be deemed useable by Quest. Hardly closing the gaps stuff.

"Maori Affairs Minister Dover Samuels argued that giving Maori a deal on the radio spectrum would help close the gaps. This document shows that the spectrum deal will do nothing to close the gaps. It will do nothing for the average Maori and gives priority to those who don't need it.

"If the Government doesn't intend to sign this document they should explicitly say so and they should make it clear that they won't sign any contracts with similar provisions," Mr Williamson said.

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