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Combined Murihiku Rūnaka Hui last Saturday

On Saturday 9 April, Hokonui Rūnanga hosted the second combined Murihiku Rūnaka Hui for 2022. These hui are an opportunity for rūnaka members to come together to discuss issues, provide updates and provide feedback on topics relevant to Murihiku and Ngāi Tahu more generally.

Terry Nicholas (Hokonui Rūnanga Manager) addressing the Combined Murihiku Rūnaka Hui on Saturday.

Guest speakers on Saturday included Arihia Bennett (Chief Executive Officer of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu) and David Perenara-O’Connell, who gave an update on the establishment of the Māori Health Authority and Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards.

Cindy Robinson (Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu) then followed with an overview of the RMA reforms and the three replacement pieces of legislation. Her role is to bring Ngāi Tahu perspectives to the forefront of resource management planning, including endeavouring to have the Ngāi Tahu takiwā boundary recognized as the geographical boundary for all governance and decision-making bodies.

The Future for Local Government review was presented by Emma Forrest, a member of the Strategy and Influence team at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. The purpose of this review is to: Identify how the system of local democracy and governance needs to evolve over the next 30 years to improve the wellbeing of New Zealand communities and the environment, and actively embody the Treaty partnership. Emma will be seeking feedback from papatipu rūnanga over coming weeks.

Hui participants were then given an update on the Southland Just Transition Aquaculture Workstream by workstream lead Aimee Kaio. Aimee highlighted the potential scale of this new industry and the importance of Iwi leading in this space. The issue of infrastructure needs for the region more generally also arose from this korero.

Jacqui Caine, Tane Davis and Tā Tipene O’Regan then gave a presentation about Whenua Hou and the current limitations experienced by Ngāi Tahu around legal title, access, governance and management of the island. They are seeking mandate from papatipu rūnanga to continue to explore vesting of Whenua Hou as an option with the Department of Conservation.

Other agenda items covered on the day included a discussion about the tikanga and kawa of Murihiku Upoko; Tiwai remediation; Rūnanga updates; and an update from Jana Davis, CE of Te Tapu o Tāne.

Comprehensive minutes from the day will be available from your rūnaka office after Easter.

Posted: 14 April 2022

Te Tapu o Tāne, Rangatahi Tumeke and Awarua Whānau Services receive Vodafone Aotearoa Foundation Grants

Te Rourou, Vodafone Aotearoa Foundation has donated $415,000 to eight community organisations across Southland (Murihiku).Te Tapu o Tāne crew with Jana Davis (CE) seated far right.

The Thriving in Murihiku fund is working to create positive outcomes for rangatahi, by providing funding and support to non-profit organisations focused on supporting youth to reconnect with culture, navigate pathways into high quality employment, and increase their connection to and understanding of the digital world.

Lani Evans, head of Te Rourou, Vodafone Aotearoa Foundation, says “We are thrilled with the outcome of the funding, and it’s a privilege to support organisations that are doing such meaningful mahi in Murihiku. As part of our long-term commitment to Southland we want to support local people, creating local solutions. We hope these grants will enable these organisations to trial new, innovative solutions to support their rangatahi, and amplify already successful programmes.”

One of the recipients, South Alive, is a community-led development organisation based in South Invercargill, aiming to revitalise the most under-resourced part of Invercargill. The Vodafone Foundation is providing a $25,000 grant to support a pilot programme testing a range of initiatives to enhance connections, pride, and skills in South Invercargill.

Courtney Ellison, community development and operations manager at South Alive says the community in South Invercargill has been wanting to do more for their young people for some time and the funding will give them the kick start they need. “We’re really excited to get started. The work we do is community-led, but with this funding we can appoint a youth co-ordinator to focus on developing more youth-led and youth-focused programs.

“We know transport is a barrier for young people to access services and programmes, so that will be a focus for us. We’d also love to improve digital connectivity in our community facilities so these spaces can be used more often and for a wider range of activities, along with a tech club to provide more digital learning opportunities.”

Another Thriving in Murihiku fund recipient is Te Tapu o Tāne, a new iwi-owned native tree and plant nursery that are undertaking catchment rehabilitation services across Murihiku. The Vodafone Foundation is donating $65,000 to support their pilot program, which is focused on engaging rangatahi in employment, skills development and connection to te taiao (our natural world).

Jana Davis, chief executive, Te Tapu o Tāne says, the program is designed from a te ao Māori perspective. “This exciting kaupapa is rakatahi focussed, the aim of this pilot is to empower the next generation and equip them with the matauraka of our tūpuna with a focus on mahika kai and taoka species. We are excited to be enabled by te Rourou, Vodafone Aotearoa Foundation to impact the next generation alongside Te Wharekura o Arowhenua and the YMCA at the Ōmaui youth camp. Delivering a 12-month pilot means we get to engage multiple times per year, build capabilities and tell an amazing story. I believe we are building projects that will impact our rakatahi long after they have left school, every time they pass these small forests it will act as a constant reminder that they have positively made an impact on te taiao.”

The other recipients of the Thriving in Murihiku fund include:

• Mihāro Murihiku Trust is a Māori and Pasifika cultural arts trust. The $45,000 grant will support their work to extend and strengthen the Polyfest and the Whakamanahia te Rangatahi work, providing structured volunteering, NCEA accreditation and cultural engagement for young people.

• Murihiku Young Parents Learning Centre is the only teen parent unit in Southland. The $20,000 grant will provide transport support for young parents based in rural Southland to attend the school.

• Rangatahi Tumeke provides camps and leadership programmes for rangatahi Māori, imbedded in traditional skills and te ao Māori. The grant of $55,000 will ensure their continued contribution and engagement.

• Awarua Whānau Services is a Kaupapa Māori service and a subsidiary of Te Runaka o Awarua, one of the 18 Papatipu Runanga of Ngāi Tahu. The $75,000 grant will support the implementation of a six-month individualised after-school programme helping rangatahi gain employment skills.

• Number 10 Southland Youth One Stop Shop provides a range of free health, well-being and support services to young people. The $60,000 grant will provide group mentoring and group programmes to support a wide range of rangatahi.

• Lighthouse Southland is a specialist family violence agency providing support and services to the victims/survivors and users of family violence and abuse. The $70,000 grant will support the delivery of an Adolescent Behaviour Programme for rangatahi in Murihiku whose behaviours are causing harm to them, or those around them.

Te Tapu o Tāne, Rangatahi Tumeke and Awarua Whānau Services have direct links to Te Rūnanga of Ngāi Tahu, strengthening the Vodafone Foundation’s partnership with the iwi.

For more information about the work of the Vodafone Foundation, please visit: https://foundation.vodafone.co.nz/

Posted: 14 April 2022

Southland congratulated as work streams position region to be industry world leaders

Key members of the Southland community met on 7 April with Labour’s Energy and Resources Minister, Dr Megan Woods, to share the vision of working together to actively shape the future of Southland with the uncertainty of Tiwai’s Aluminium Smelter’s longevity.EOG and Southland Just Transition group met with Energy and Resources Minister, Dr Megan Woods on 7 April. (left to right) Hokonui Rūnanga Executive, Terry Nicholas; Thriving Southland Project Lead, Richard Kyte; Invercargill Labour MP, Dr Liz Craig; Energy and Resources Minister, Dr Megan Woods; Ministry of Business Economic Development and Transitions General Manager, Dean Ford; Southland Business Chamber President, Neil McAra; SIT Chief Executive, Onno Mulder; SIT Chief Financial Officer, Daryl Haggerty.

The Southland Just Transition work plan has seen iwi, businesses, education, and community leaders come together to ensure Southland’s future is positive and shoulders the uncertainty of Tiwai.

Yesterday’s meeting felt celebratory, and Minister Woods congratulated the Enduring Oversight Group (EOG) and Just Transition work stream leads on the journey undertaken so far.

“I’m so impressed by the way Southland is working together. We’ve got education, businesses, local government, unions and iwi who are all united in wanting to find what that secure economic future looks like for Southland,” Minister Woods said.

Southland Just Transition is made up of seven work streams led by community leaders. These streams include Long Term Planning, Clean Energy, Worker Transition, Business Transition, Land Use, Community Capability Building and Aquaculture.

With or without Tiwai, the group’s agenda is to secure the future of the region, to keep it buoyant, introduce more skilled jobs, lower carbon, diversify land and water use, and look to productive clean energy usage.

Minister Woods went as far as to reference ‘Team Southland’ and the positive relationships and collaborations were fundamental to the forward momentum, citing there was opportunity to be world leaders in some of the new and extended industries the teams are working on.

Minister Woods also thanked the Enduring Oversight Group (EOG), which operates as governance over the seven work streams. The EOG is made up of 11 members from central government, local government, iwi, unions, business, and the education, agriculture and community sectors.

The purpose of the EOG is to provide strategic governance over the delivery of the Southland just transition work plan.

The EOG will provide feedback on the delivery of the work plan and guide the Secretariat and work streams in their implementation role.

Co-chair of the EOG, Neil McAra said there has been a successful relationship with the Minister all the way through the process and how fantastic it was having all parties on the same page as they continue to work towards the 2023 budget bid.

His comments were echoed by EOG Co-chair, Aimee Kaio.

“Southlanders have always rolled up their sleeves to get the mahi done and it‘s truly wonderful to have such support from government and it’s exciting to all be actively pushing our region forward, securing our economy and social fabric for our community,” Kaio said.

Posted: 8 April 2022

Preliminary Closure Study outlines work programmes in event of NZAS closure

Media Statement from NZAS:

New Zealand’s Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) has today released the findings of its Preliminary Closure Study, outlining for the Southland community the detailed work that will take place to remediate the site as part of any future closure.

NZAS Chief Executive and General Manager Chris Blenkiron commented, “The Preliminary Closure Study is an important step in the NZAS closure and progressive remediation programme.

“While we do see a positive long-term future for the smelter to operate beyond 2024, we have progressed this study to understand what work is needed to remediate the site and provide reassurance to the Southland community,” said Mr Blenkiron.

The Preliminary Closure Study provides an initial overview of key work programmes that would be undertaken, including:

• Removing all Spent Cell Lining (SCL) material to be recycled for alternative use. This will be achieved through a combination of export and on-site processing, and NZAS is seeking to accelerate this process irrespective of the closure date.

• Relocating the current landfill to a new lined and capped landfill at a higher elevation on the Tiwai Site

• Demolishing existing assets and removing foundations to a depth of 1.5 metres

• Remediating contaminated soil to an industrial standard, noting any future alternative land use will be identified in due course.

Progressive remediation activities to remove waste and improve our environmental performance will take place where possible while operations continue.

The Preliminary Closure Study’s central case has been developed based on a closure date of December 2024, with closure activities estimated to take place over a ten-year period after the end of operations. An extension to operations beyond 2024 would see some activities take place in advance of closure and reduce the timeframe for the successful remediation of the site.

Mr Blenkiron commented, “As a producer of some of the highest quality, lowest carbon aluminium in the world, NZAS is well placed to supply economies focused on decarbonisation. Rio Tinto does see a positive pathway for NZAS to continue operating and contributing to the local and national economy beyond 2024, and is working closely with Ngāi Tahu, government, Southland and key industry leaders to find the best way to achieve this.

“We will remediate the site, whether we stay beyond 2024 or not, and this Preliminary Study shows we have the right plans in place. In the meantime, work is already underway to remove waste and improve our environmental performance. We are also in the process of updating our financial accounts and will release the updated rehabilitation and closure provision in May 2022.

“While we do see a positive future post-2024, we also acknowledge the important work being done by the Southland Just Transitions Working Group and have provided them with the Preliminary Closure Study,” said Mr Blenkiron.

The closure plan contained within the Preliminary Closure Study is not final and further work is needed to develop and confirm a final closure plan. This will include further environmental monitoring and stakeholder engagement, and the completion of a Final Closure Study.

Closure study documents released today include:

• NZAS Preliminary Closure Study Document

• Infographic - April 2022 Remediation Update

• Ecology Environmental Study Report

• Geology Report

• Sea Level Rise Impact Assessment

• Closure Socio-economic Impact Assessment Report

Posted: 7 April 2022

Kaumātua housing units officially opened in Bluff

From Stuff. Reporter: Laura Hooper

It’s hoped six new kaumātua housing units that were officially opened in Bluff will build on Te Rūnaka o Awarua’s vision of creating affordable intergenerational housing.Labour MP for Te Tai Tonga Rino Tirikatene, left, Invercargill mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt, Minister of Housing MP Megan Woods, Upoko o Awarua Rūnaka Tā Tipene o Regan and Invercargill Labour List MP Dr Liz Craig at the opening of six new kaumātua units in Bluff.

The units were built in Christchurch and trucked to Bluff in August 2021, were the result of a $1.898 million grant from the Government’s Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund.

Te Upoko o Te Rūnaka o Awarua Tā Tipene o Regan, at the official opening on Tuesday, said the units, and the further establishment of housing for whānau on marae grounds, had been a vision for rūnaka leaders since the early 2000s.

“The idea of accommodation on and around the marae is not new. The idea of being intergenerational, with multiple children and whānau and kaumātua has been close to us for a long time,” he said.

“These six new units will help to bring our whānau back to their tūrakawaewae and support our kaumātua to pass down their mātauraka (knowledge) to our tamariki and rakatahi.”

More than 50 per cent of Ngāi Tahu people were now living beyond their takiwā, he said, and as such the units opening needed to be viewed as another step forward and not an end goal.

Minister of Housing MP Dr Megan Woods said it would take time to turn around New Zealand’s housing crisis.

“I don’t think any of us kid ourselves that there isn’t much more to do … the housing crisis is a problem that has been created over many, many years, and it will take time to turn around … we are absolutely committed to solving it,” she said.

The opening of the units had highlighted the importance of “by Māori for Māori” solutions, she said, and was an example of how the iwi and crown were stronger when working together.

Kaumātua Housing projects manager Corey Bragg said there had been strong demand for the kaumātua units before their opening.

“If you take our community, those aged over 65 have more than doubled since the early 1990s, but the population has stayed the same … that’s the demand,” he said.

There was a small amount of work left to be completed, and then families would begin to be shown through the units slowly in line with Covid-19 protocols.

The rūnaka was already considering establishing further whānau housing at the back of the marae in response to positive community feedback around the kaumātua units, he said.

Posted: 6 April 2022