New Zealand isn't discriminating against Huawei, Jacinda Ardern insists

Jacinda Ardern insists New Zealand isn't discriminating against Huawei, despite the GCSB blocking Spark from using its equipment last year. 

The Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) blocked Spark's plans to use cell tower equipment from Huawei in November, citing significant risks to national security. 

Spark had wanted to use the Huawei equipment to develop its 5G network, but the GCSB shut down those plans, notifying Spark it had identified major network security risks if the technology was implemented. 

Speaking to media in Davos at the World Economic Forum, the Prime Minister said the Government ban was "not about a particular vendor", seeming to deflect international reports that New Zealand was pandering to its Western allies

"This is about a framework in New Zealand that I think serves us well," Ms Ardern said, adding that Spark and Huawei would have an opportunity to address the security concerns. 

Huawei said in a statement after the ban that it would "actively address any concerns and work together to find a way forward", adding it had signed more than 20 5G contracts with carriers worldwide.

Political commentator Richard Harman raised concerns at the time that New Zealand's relationship with China could be damaged as a result of the decision. He warned of the potential of major consequences for Aotearoa's tourism and education sectors. 

But he admitted using the technology could mean getting offside with the Australia and the United States, which have also banned Huawei from their 5G networks. 

In early 2018, Australia banned Huawei from supplying 5G equipment, also citing security risks. And it was reported by the Wall Street Journal that the United States was trying to persuade companies in allied countries to avoid the Chinese telecom giant. 

"It does appear to be that New Zealand was faced with a very difficult choice. Either you said no to China, or you said no to Australia, Britain, the United States and Canada," Mr Harman said. 

New Zealand is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence group, which also includes the US, UK, Australia and Canada. 

The US is currently proceeding with the formal extradition from Canada of Huawei executive, Meng Wanzhou, Canada's ambassador to the United States, over allegedly violating US sanctions against Iran.