Radio spectrum
We advise government on the allocation of New Zealand's radio spectrum and administer the Radiocommunications Act 1989 and supporting regulations.
On this page
We are committed to ensuring that our policy and planning processes, as well as our administration of the national Register of Radio Frequencies, licensing, compliance and enforcement, and radio frequency interference (RFI) investigation, are fast, simple and effective, and maximise the use of online services wherever possible.
You can access the Radiocommunications Act 1989 and Radiocommunications Regulations 2001 on the NZ Legislation website:
- Radiocommunications Act 1989(external link) — New Zealand Legislation
- Radiocommunications Regulations 2001(external link) — New Zealand Legislation
Crown and Māori reach enduring radio spectrum agreement
On Wednesday 2 February the Government announced a long-term, enduring agreement with Māori that recognises Māori interests in radio spectrum. These interests include digital enterprise and jobs, healthcare, rural economy and connectivity, education, broadcasting, and revitalisation of te reo Māori.
This agreement was developed in partnership with the Māori Spectrum Working Group. It is an opportunity to build Māori capability in spectrum-related industries and see Māori participating more prominently in this growing sector.
The Māori Spectrum Working Group was established by Māori in 2019 to lead this work with the Government. Over the last 3 years, MBIE has been leading engagement with the Māori Spectrum Working Group to reach this enduring agreement.
The details of the agreement include an ongoing allocation of national spectrum and a role for Māori in spectrum policy-making.
To read the full details of the agreement, please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding document, signed by Ministers and the Māori Spectrum Working Group.
Memorandum of Understanding - Maori Spectrum Agreement [PDF 661KB]
Media release: Māori recognised as telecommunication sector leaders(external link) — Beehive website
Preparing for 5G in New Zealand
As part of our work managing radio spectrum, MBIE has laid the groundwork preparing for 5G through industry workshops and has run a public consultation process to discuss 5G spectrum bands and their future allocation. MBIE is also working with interested parties on technical and regulatory issues relating to 5G.
MBIE has produced a 5G information pack which includes information on the regulations and standards involved in the 5G roll-out. It contains links to existing government information including from the Ministry of Health and the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor.
Visit our Radio Spectrum Management website to find out about licensing, compliance, auctions and consumer information about electronic and radio products from overseas.