Inaugural NZ Hydrogen Symposium (NZHS-1) He Hanoka Hauwai German-NZ Hydrogen Centre Announced

There was strong Ngāi Tahu presence at the inaugural research-focused New Zealand Hydrogen Symposium (NZHS-1), held in Dunedin, Ōtākou, 1-3 February 2023, hosted by the University of Otago and the newly announced He Hanoka Hauwai German-NZ Hydrogen Centre. It saw a great turnout from both around Aotearoa and many international partners interested in the emerging hydrogen economy in Aotearoa.Upoko Terry Nicholas presenting at the Inaugural New Zealand Hydrogen Symposium.

The co-chairs of this first of the annual conferences were Prof Sally Brooker, Dr Paul Jerabek and A/Prof Anna Garden; the two co-leaders of the German-NZ Green Hydrogen Centre He Honoka Hauwai and one of the principal grant researchers.

A gifting ceremony of the name and pou by Ōtākou Rūnanga representative Edward Ellison and Dr Hana O’Regan, presentations from Murihiku Upoko, Tā Tipene O’Regan and Terry Nicholas, described the need for green hydrogen as a part of the global energy transition.

Delegates were welcomed to the inaugural NZ Hydrogen Symposium by Tā Tipene O’Regan and challenged with the opportunities NZ has with regard to green hydrogen. View Tā Tipene’s opening speech here.

Terry Nicholas described the event as, “an opportunity to share with others the important work that Murihiku Regeneration is undertaking on behalf of Hapū, for successive generations and in the national interest”.

See here for a copy of the presentation.

Terry also notes that, “the relationship that Murihiku Regeneration is developing through its international partnerships, including with Germany, is important. Germany is a leading adopter of green hydrogen and we have much to learn. We have already had a delegation visiting Germany on green hydrogen, have the support of Dr Regina Eisert around science and innovation opportunities with Germany. We will also be looking to invite potential future German to the region to work alongside us on this mahi.”

Find out more about He Honoka Hauwai - German-NZ Green Hydrogen Centre.

L-R: Murihiku Regeneration representatives Terry Nicholas and Ivan Hodgetts; Professor Sally Brooker from the University of Otago.

Posted: 25 February 2023

Social Regeneration Plan Hui

A PROF-ound start to the year for the Murihiku Regeneration office!

Social Regeneration Plan working group L-R: Prof Stuart Carr (UNESCO Chair - Sustainable Livelihoods; Massey University); Prof Darrin Hodgetts (Massey University); Terry Nicholas (Murihiku Regeneration); Associate Prof Vivienne Anderson (University of Otago); Ivan Hodgetts (Murihiku Regeneraion); Prof James Liu (Massey University).

On Tuesday 31 January 2023 Murihiku Regeneration began a process to develop a Social Regeneration Plan for Murihiku. Upoko, Terry Nicholas and Te Ara Aukati Kore programme leader, Ivan Hodgetts met with a group of Professors from Massey and Otago Universities:

• Associate Prof Viv Anderson: Dean, Otago University School of Education
• Professor Stuart Carr: UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Livelihoods
• Professor James Liu: Cross cultural psychology, political psychology of change
• Professor Darrin Hodgetts: Professor of Societal Psychology

We appreciate the willingness of these Professors to provide their time and expertise to support and enable our kaupapa.

The focus of discussion was on the scoping and initial framing for development of the plan. Our intention is to develop an evidence informed (credible global effective practice) social regeneration plan for the region out to 2040. It will locate any economic/industry development within a framing context of our medium to long term interests as people.

Ivan said “it was great to bring the Profs together and start this conversation. The shared expertise and insight will be invaluable to ensuring the action we take is well thought out and has a solid foundation for success”.

Thanks to our supporters

This work is being supported by the Ministry of Social Development and Woodside Energy who are in process of exploring Hydrogen Industry in Murihiku. Both organisations are important contributors to our work.

Posted: 1 February 2023

Murihiku regional leaders discuss priorities and alignment

On Wednesday, 14 December 2022, Murihiku leaders from central and local government agencies, Iwi, community and business met to discuss regional system leadership. There was agreement on the need for a collective effort to develop clear priorities and build alignment.

The event, coordinated through Murihiku Regeneration and the Regional Public Sector Lead’s Office, was the first of a series of quarterly meetings to discuss issues, opportunities and look to confirm priorities for the region.

Left to right: Trinity McMahon, Regional Public Services Director, MSD; Terry Nicholas, Murihiku Regeneration Portfolio Director; Stephen Sanders, Service Centre Manager, MSD.The event was co-sponsored by Steph Voight, Murihiku Regional Public Sector Lead and Terry Nicholas, Murihiku Regeneration Portfolio Director.

Acknowledging the end to a busy year and impact of COVID on the community, there were around 35 participants at this first event.

“We saw this as an opportunity for regional leaders to come together before Christmas to share, reflect and identify priorties for action in 2023. I was really pleased with the level of participation and connection”, said Steph Voight.

Terry Nicholas stated that “one of the key themes from the day was that of the need for alignment to support Hapū and the community as we move forward together. I really appreciated the speakers for this first session sharing their perspectives, concerns and hope for the region”.

At the end of this first session, it was agreed that the next meeting would be in February 2023, and thereafter quarterly.

Posted: 16 December 2022

Productive day for Tiwai Advisory Group

Tiwai Advisory Group members left to right: Dion Williams (NZAS Community and Social Performance Manager); Nicole Atherton (Rio Tinto Aluminium Closure Readiness General Manager); Jacqui Caine (Awarua representative and General Manager of Te Whakaariki Strategy and Influence team at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu ); Gail Thompson (Awarua representative); Barry Bragg – Chair; Terry Nicholas (Awarua representative and Murihiku Regeneration Portfolio Director); Megan Reid (Awarua Working Group Project Manager); Chris Blenkiron (NZAS General Manager and CE).

On Thursday 15 December 2022, the Tiwai Advisory Group met for the first time kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face). Made up of representatives from Awarua Rūnaka (including Terry Nicholas, Murihiku Regeneration Portfolio Director) and the New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS), the group had a productive day discussing issues such as progressing the co-design and agreement of a remediation plan for Tiwai; pathways for waste removal; protection of wāhi tapu sites and taonga; and co-designing an environmental monitoring programme.

The group will meet together again in January 2023.

Awarua representatives are part of the Awarua Working Group (AWG), which has been set up to develop, drive and monitor the programme of working involving the closure of the Tiwai aluminium smelter. See their website for more information.

Posted: 16 December 2022

Agreement with Meridian on Murihiku green energy a good first step

Pictured left to right, front row Terry Nicholas (Ngāi Tahu), Mark Cairns (Meridian), Tā Tipene O’Regan (Ngāi Tahu), Neal Barclay (Meridian). Back row Mike Shatford, David Stock, Arihia Bennett (Ngāi Tahu), André Konia (Meridian), Guy Waipara (Meridian).

On Monday 5 December 2022, Murihiku Upoko signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Meridian Energy Limited around Tiwai Smelter and green energy opportunities.

“From our perspective, a key purpose of the MOU was to ensure that the power generated at Manapōuri for Tiwia Smelter and the region remains available to support potential future industries,” said Terry Nicholas, Murihiku Regeneration Portfolio Director and Hokonui Rūnanga Upoko.

“This agreement is a necessary first step in ensuring we can build a robust and reliable relationship with Meridian. We are focused on ensuring a positive energy transition for Murihiku and it supports decarbonisation for all of Aotearoa,” said Tā Tipene O’Regan, Upoko o Awarua Rūnaka.

The agreement provides a platform for ongoing discussions around Tiwai Smelter and new green hydrogen opportunities.

Posted: 6 December 2022