News

FLOWT Wellbeing and mental health project unveiled at 2024 Murihiku Regeneration Wānanga

FLOWT is an innovative mental health and wellbeing project looking to open its first facility in Queenstown in Autumn 2025. The project was unveiled at the 2024 Murihiku Regeneration Energy, Oceans and Innovation Wānanga on Wednesday 27th November in Invercargill New Zealand.

The project idea was first shared by Ngāi Tahu Leader and innovator Rod Drury at the 2023 Murihiku Regeneration Energy and Innovation Wānanga. Project Lead -Dominic Bowden then gave a project update at the 2024 event on plans for activation and implementation.

The project is supported by Ta Tipene O’Regan and Terry Nicholas through Murihiku Regeneration as a regional development and social wellbeing initiative.

“We see this project and what FLOWT is wanting to achieve as being fully aligned with our values and approach”, says Ta Tipene O’Regan

“Dominic Bowden presented and shared this project early on and has consulted us and taken feedback from us at every stage of its development”, says Terry Nicholas, Upoko of Hokonui Rūnanga and Portfolio Director for Murihiku Regeneration.

“Lake Wakatipu’s year-round cool temperatures are ideal for contrast therapy. FLOWT aims to bring people together, focusing on community, self-care, and celebrating the incredible mental and physical benefits of contrast therapy,” says Bowden.

In recent years, Bowden has stepped away from the television spotlight to focus on developing WellBeings, a digital community exploring the science of feeling good. Through his WellBeings podcast series, he aims to raise awareness about essential elements often overlooked in our digitally obsessed world. He now works collaboratively with the Murihiku Regeneration team.

With 20 years of media experience across the USA, Australia, and New Zealand, Dominic has collaborated with influential figures such as iceman Wim Hof, Andrew Huberman, and bestselling author James Clear, known for *Atomic Habits*.

“What I hope sets us apart is our focus on community. We aim to create a place where people can gather and enjoy a fun, restorative experience—especially after the thrill-seeking adventures Queenstown is famous for,” says Bowden. “Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in the city or a healthy new way to meet up with friends, I am honoured to be part of bringing FLOWT to the region.”

FLOWT is targeted to open in Autumn 2025. https://flowtsauna.com/

Posted: 29 November 2024

2024 Regeneration Wānanga – Forming the Regenerative Scrum

Speakers and attendees at the Murihiku Regeneration Wānanga have reflected on Day 1 of the two day event focused on energy, oceans, and innovation opportunities for the region.

MC Dominic Bowden reflected back to the 200 strong audience the opportunity to channel frustration, using collaboration and partnerships to overcome these challenges and really focus in on what will make a difference locally and regionally, and also how it will support New Zealand in growing its economy.

Ngāi Tahu leaders Terry Nicholas (Hokonui) and Barry Bragg (Awarua) set the challenge to form the regenerative scrum to drive opportunity based around collaboration, partnerships, and respect.

Terry said, “We have a once in a life time opportunity to form the coalition of the willing, based around capability and wanting to ensure that participants stay in their lane of expertise”.

Barry Bragg confirmed that “We are open for business, are looking for ways to support the community and drive projects which support whanau, iwi, and the whole community”.

Both agreed it was a once in a lifetime opportunity that needs to be taken up for future generations.

Posted: 27 November 2024

Murihiku Regeneration and Akuo Energy Sign an agreement to progress solar projects in Southland

At the 2024 Murihiku Regeneration Wānanga, Akuo Energy, and Murihiku Regeneration on behalf of Hokonui Rūnanga, have signed an agreement to progress solar projects in the region.

The Regeneration Wānanga is a regional development entity looking at opportunities in energy, oceans, and innovation and how these can be realised through collaboration and partnerships. It identified the need for Iwi Māori to lead and support development projects to maximise the benefits for iwi, local communities, and NZ.

The agreement was signed at the event, between Mr Terry Nicholas, Upoko for Hokonui Rūnanga and Mr Greg Visser, the Akuo Energy NZ Country Manager. It was overseen by Ambassador Laurence Beau, the French Ambassador to New Zealand, and Awarua Runanga Upoko Ta Tipene O’Regan,

Terry Nicholas, Greg Visser, HE Madame Beau the French Ambassador and Ta Tipene O’Regan the Upoko of Awarua

Akuo Energy is a large international French headquartered independent power producer that is looking to build strong partnerships and create project opportunities in Aotearoa New Zealand, with Iwi communities that also are underpinned by economic, social, cultural and environmental outcomes.Terry Nicholas, Upoko of Hokonui Rūnanga and Greg Visser, Akuo Energy

This initial opportunity came about through an international trade delegation meeting by Business France, and has quickly progressed through the signing of a relationship agreement into a stage where actual project opportunities will be undertaken in partnership. Each party will bring their relative strengths and competitive advantages to ensure these projects can be realised in a timely manner.

“This agreement is a perfect example of how we want to work with willing partners, who are aligned on values and willing to work with us,” says Terry Nicholas.

“I’m really pleased we have reached this stage so quickly, and Akuo Energy looks forward to partnering with Murihiku, Ngai Tahu, and the community to bring these projects into reality”

“We see this as a fantastic collaboration that will help us to build and grow our presence in New Zealand,” says Greg Visser.

Posted: 27 November 2024

2024 Murihiku Regeneration Energy and Innovation Wānanga Live Streaming here from Tuesday 26th November 8.45am

The 2024 Murihiku Regeneration Wānanga looking at energy, oceans and innovation opportunities for Murihiku-Southland and New Zealand is occurring over two days.

If you wish to follow the event live – here is the live stream link. Murihiku Regeneration Science and Innovation Wananga 2024

Also if you want to ask questions live, please search slido Slido - Audience Interaction Made Easy and enter the code 2302373 and our MC can answer them live.

Posted: 26 November 2024

Murihiku Ki Te Tonga joint expedition to prepare for busy NZ Sub Antarctic Islands visitor season

A Joint Department of Conservation and Murihiku Regeneration NZ Subantarctic Islands (NZ Subs) expedition left Bluff on 4 November to undertake a key preparatory programme for the island locations to be ready for a busy 2024-25 visitor season that will include research teams and cruise ship operators.

The Expedition has been led by Amy Duffill-Brookes, Senior Ranger - Heritage and Visitor, for the Murihiku District. Vincent Leith, from Leith Contracting representing Murihiku ki te Tonga (MKTT) also participated in the expedition. This has also been supported by Murihiku Regeneration through its Murihiku ki te Tonga (MKTT) Programme, with a team member focused on island infrastructure, predator control and cultural opportunities.

There has been an extensive work programme undertaken, with the primary focus being to complete maintenance on critical infrastructure in preparation for research teams heading to the NZ Subs and also our boardwalk for this season’s cruise ship visits.

Some of the key tasks completed on Campbell Island (Moutere Ihupuku) have included key repairs and maintenance at Beeman Base and Northwest Bay Hut; also, general Island projects to improve visitor safety and experience. On Tine Keke, the Snares a similar work programme has been completed.

This joint expedition is an example of the important partnership with mana whenua that we have been developing around the NZ Subs in the last 12 months. In particular, with the MKTT team, who have made their intentions and desire for collaboration clear”, said John McCarroll, the Department of Conservation Southern Operation Manager.

“We are pleased to be able to demonstrate our willingness to collaborate, also our capability, expertise, and cultural competence in regard to the NZ Subs. These are places of significance to us,”

“We have identified a number of future collaboration projects in the NZ Subs, where will be focusing over the next 12 months, along with our project partners”, said Riki Nicholas, MKTT Programme lead.

The Joint expedition is due back on 25 November, and will be reporting on its progress, which will be shared at the 2024 Murihiku Regeneration Oceans, Energy and Innovation Wānanga to be held over 26-27 November in Invercargill.

Posted: 22 November 2024