News

MRAQ24 Mission Completed – First Southern Ocean Expedition Team return to Bluff on 4 February 2024

MRAQ24A, the designation given to the six person Murihiku Regeneration Team, that deployed on the 124 m vessel - Heritage Adventurer into the Southern Ocean and Ross Sea Sector, returned to Bluff on 4 February 2024, after 24 days at sea. The purpose of the expedition was to build capability, capacity for Murihiku Hapū members, undertake a range of science and research projects, and also to take a more active an engaageed presence in and around the NZ SubAntarctic Islands. For Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, these islands form part of the maritime zone of interest that is referenced and acknolwedged in the Ngāi Tahu Settlement Act, 1998.

Photos taken by Colin Aitchison

The MRAQ24A team gathered at SouthPort on 5 February to undertake a quick debrief on the expedition, including to discuss lessons learned, and to also hand over these learnings to the MRAQ24B Team Leader, Rewi Davis from Oraka Aparima for the February-March deployment.

“It was an awesome experience, one I will never forget,” stated Luka Finn (Hokonui) recounting his time onboard with the team.

Photos taken by Colin Aitchison

“There is so much opportunity and potential for Murihiku Hapū, Ngāi Tahu and our whānau to gain by building on this experience. There are a whole range of projects and activities that we can develop for future trips,” confirmed Riki Parata, the MRAQ24 Team Leader.

“The Heritage (Expeditions) Team on the Adventurer were very professional, supportive of our science work, and I would like to thank them for their commitment in making the trip possible,” said Karlee Nicholas (Hokonui) of his time onboard.Image taken of the crew on the deck of the Heritage Adventurer

Nathan Russ, Heritage Adventurer Operations Manager for the January 2024 voyage comments that, “it was our pleasure to host the Murihiku Regeneration team onboard. The passengers and crew enjoyed the opportunity to share and learn from them as they went about their work.”

As a result of the expedition, project and expedition reporting will be completed and shared with others, and thinking will occur around the next projects and expedition work that will be completed as a part of the Murihiku ki te Tonga Programme.

“The work we have done on the Subantarctic Islands where we landed will be invaluable. We are looking to pull together a comprehensive framework of information that will reference and inform future projects on these islands,” said Riki Parata about the cultural assessments completed so far.

Photos taken by Colin Aitchison

“This is just the start of our work. The cultural assessment work, the marine mammal research and building up our capability; it will all help to develop this research programme into something that will make a big difference for us,” said Riki Nicholas, the Murihiku Ki Te Tonga Programme Director.

Posted: 9 February 2024

5th February Murihiku Regeneration regional development event a hit

A pre-Waitangi Day regional development dinner hosted by Murihiku Upoko on 5 February at Transport World in Invercargill was attended by over 90 representatives from a diverse range of international, national, regional, community and iwi organisations. The event organised by Murihiku Regeneration aimed at connecting these organisations, developing relationships and demonstrating the huge regional development opportunities in front of the region over next year.

Terry Nicholas, Murihiku Regeneration Portfolio Director and Hokonui Upoko spent several minutes welcoming and introducing the various people, organisations and projects opportunities that were present in the audience at the event.

“The long introductions themselves spoke volumes on the level of interconnectivity and possibilities, and key individuals that could be realised and turned into action.”

“We particularly wanted to share a warm welcome to everyone that came to our regional development dinner, and then turned up at a wet, but very positive Waitangi Day commemorations at Te Rau Aroha Marae in Bluff. There is nothing like the community and stakeholders seeing partnership in action at both events, and what can be achieved when we work together for the benefit of the whole community”, said Terry Nicholas.

“Guests included, the Deputy German Ambassador – Winnie Switakowski, the Rt Hon Gerry Brownlee - Speaker of the House of Parliament, local MP- Hon Penny Simmonds, Joseph Mooney, other MPs, Murihiku Mayors, Local Council Chief Executives, and Government Agency representatives, Regional Agency Leaders, overseas guests from Rio Tinto, Woodside Energy, Mitsui & Co, as well as NZ generators – Meridian and Contact Energy, also NZ Inc companies such as HWR Richardson, Whiore, Hiringa and Heritage Expeditions -just to name a few”.

We were also pleased to see a number of senior Murihiku and Ngāi Tahu leaders attending. These included Upoko o Awarua Ta Tipene O’Regan and Lady Sandra O’Regan, Michael Skerrett, Barry Bragg -the new Chair of Awarua Rūnaka. Also, the senior representatives from Te Rūnanga o Ngai Tahu – including the new Kaiwhakahaere – Justin Tipa, Tribal CEO Arihia Bennett, and her leadership team, “ said Dr Michael Stevens Awarua Representative and Murihiku Regeneration governor.Winnie Switakowski the Deputy German Ambassador and Ta Tipene O’Regan the Awarua Upoko

“The event demonstrated that Murihiku Regeneration has established unwavering relationships at a community, regional, political, and international level. All looking at the multiples of economic opportunities that contribute to the welfare of our communities”.

“Our approach has been to look at acting regionally, but to work in the national interest. We are looking to support all levels of our involvement – from an Iwi, Hapū, and also the Community we are a part of. “

“Our focus has been to build and encourage intergenerational capability and capacity – looking at key areas of intervention that align with our four Ngāi Tahu values” confirmed Terry Nicholas during his introductory remarks.

At the event we shared some of the projects of importance for 2024 and beyond. These included:

• Retaining the Tiwai Smelter in the longer term, but also creating a wider industrial base that grows the regional and national economy and supports decarbonisation out beyond 2040.

• The Southern Green Energy project (SGH) consisting of outstanding commercial partners, Mitsui a century old Japanese trading house, Meridian Energy one of NZ big power generators, Hokonui Rūnanga & Ngai Tahu, and Woodside Energy. The partners see SGH as one of the most exciting projects in their portfolio to be in operation by 2030. This will support rapid decarbonisation for export and domestic use.

• The opportunity to leverage efforts in the energy transition around hydrogen fuels for marine and land based heavy transport in Southland – including a refuelling network, with efforts already underway by HW Richardson and Hiringa Energy through their own projects.

• Windfarm developments happening in the Murihiku regions by both Contact and Mercury Energy with the potential for further projects that will create jobs, innovation and support social infrastructure developments.

• A partnership with Whiore (link to Whiore story) is an area where the exciting opportunities that exist in the Blue Economy will be rapidly examined - including large scale aquaculture projects, innovative approaches around seaweed and high value marine stocks.

• Our own Murihiku ki te Tonga -Southern Ocean Research and Innovation Programme - to protect both Ngāi Tahu rights and interests, but also contribute to climate, biodiversity, sustainability and commercial challenges and opportunities that will be vitally important over the next 10 years.

• Our vocational pathway planning and capacity programme that is looking to support our community rangatahi, our current and future workforce into the jobs and opportunities that will be needed to meet the opportunities that need to be developed to address critical gaps in our workforce capability.

The event highlighted that Murihiku-Southland, as identified by both international and NZ entities, has the biggest opportunity in New Zealand for new power generation, to grow its productive base and continue to contribute to the NZ GNP (Gross National Product) that punches its weight well in excess of its relative population size.

“We want to be in the best position in the world, so this work being led by Murihiku Regeneration is exciting and compelling.

“We are looking for partners and innovators who share our intent to be a part of a collective journey and work with us in the coalition of the willing” stated Terry Nicholas to conclude his remarks.

Dr Michael Stevens closed the event with a powerful and reflective speech that looked to the recent past, on why Ngāi Tahu action and involvement in regional development initiatives like Murihiku Regeneration are so important to the our future.

Posted: 9 February 2024

Signing of Key Blue Economy Relationship Agreement between Murihiku Regeneration and Whiore to Progress Ngāi Tahu Blue Economy Projects

From left to right: Terry Nicholas, Tā Tipene O’Regan and Graham Kitson.Murihiku Upoko – Ta Tipene O’Regan (Awarua) and Terry Nicholas (Hokonui) today signed a reltionship agreement with Graham Kitson, the Chair and Alan Groves, the Chief Executive of Whiore to set out a framework to progress key projects in the Murihiku-Southland region to support regional development, create jobs and contribute to vital decarboniation and climate response efforts.

Terry Nicholas, Tā Tipene O’Regan, Alan Groves and Graham Kitson signing the relationship agreement.The 7 February 2024 workshop and signing ceremony represents a significant step forward towards realising a range of projects that have the potential to create significant local and regional opportunities for Murihiku Hapū and the local community. The signing was able to progress after visits and discussions with locals, and will build on research, innovation and developments already being progressed by Whiore and Murihiku Regeneration.

“This agreement is us signalling that we will be looking to get in place some initial projects that the whole community - especially those already involved in the fishing and aquaculture industry in the region. We aim to start with practical and sensible projects that will build on existing capabilities, experience and knowledge”, said Terry Nicholas, Portfolio Director for Murihiku Regeneration.

“One of the really exciting opportunities is for us to further build up a pipeline of job and learning pathways for Ngāi Tahu rangatahi and those interested in a local career opportunities in the blue economy”.

“The value and opportunity to create intergenerational benefit is right in front of us, “ said Alan Groves, Whiore CEO.

Both parties have agreed to create an establishment project, put in place the business and investment case for implementation of a first delivery project for later in 2024.

Posted: 7 February 2024

Murihiku Team Continues Killer Whale Research Programme

Curious Antarctic Type-C killer whales head towards the Murihiku zodiac (far left) to have a look at their visitors. Photo: Colin Aitchison

Kākahi-killer whales hunt prey as varied as fish, penguins, seals, and minke whales, and are the top predators of the ocean. The fish-eating Type-C Antarctic killer whale (TCKW) is a designated focal species for research in the Ross Sea Region Marine Protected Area (MPA). The reason for this special attention is that the Ross Sea fishery is potentially competing with TCKW for Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni), a large, high-fat fish thought to be a favourite food for killer whales, Weddell seals, and parāoa in the Ross Sea region.

Operating in a zodiac provided by Heritage Expeditions, the Murihiku Team had the opportunity to come face to face with the killer whales like this magnificent adult male. Photo: Regina Eisert

Following the retreating sea ice south on the Heritage Adventurer, this week the Murihiku Expedition team reached McMurdo Sound, a known hotspot for Antarctic killer whales (Orcinus orca). In 2013, Murihiku ki Te Tonga Science Lead Dr Regina Eisert started the first Antarctic killer whale research programme in and for the Ross Sea region MPA to find out what the whales eat, how many there are, and how and when they move between the Ross Sea and New Zealand. To find out, killer whales are photographed to uniquely identify individuals (photo-ID), and their behaviour is observed from the air and with underwater cameras. Photo-ID allows tracking of whale movements when they are re-sighted in New Zealand waters or as far north as Australia.
As part of the scientific research programme, killer whales are filmed underwater. Here they are having a closer look at the underside of the zodiac. Photo: Murihiku ki Te Tonga

Field work on the Ross Sea killer whales was interrupted in 2020, but the programme was successfully re-launched during the inaugural Murihiku ki Te Tonga expedition in February 2023. Zodiac support provided by Heritage Expeditions allowed the Murihiku Team to move effortlessly among the ice floes and study the whales up close using underwater video and a small drone.

Although it is not clear who studied whom, as one group of whales after another made a beeline for the zodiac and gave it a thorough inspection. Access to boat support is a new capability for the Antarctic killer whale research programme and gives a fantastic boost to the scientific work.

Type-C killer whales are distinguished from other killer whales by their distinctive narrow, upward-sloping eye patches. This type is at home in the icy waters of the southern Ross Sea but also visits New Zealand. Photo: Regina Eisert

Posted: 27 January 2024

MKTT January 2024 Expedition update -Team completes NZ Subantarctic Island visits

The January Expedition Team that departed Bluff on 10 January 2024 has completed its visits to the NZ Sub Antarctic Islands (Auckland Islands, Enderby Island and the Snares), and Macquire Island, over the period 11-15 January 2024.

Murihiku ki te Tonga (MKTT) is a Murihiku Regeneration sponsored research, science and innovation programme, focused on building capability, capacity and greater understanding of the NZ Sub Antarctic Islands, Southern Ocean, and Ross Sea Sector. Since deploying, a range of projects and studies are now underway by the team. One of the key aims of the Expedition is to develop a culturally based framework for ongoing mātauranga Māori research.

“This includes multiple science disciplines management for Te Moana Tāpokopoko a Tāwhaki (the Southern Ocean). It has been our intent to take previous data from Ngāi Tahu scholars and archaeologists, taonga species monitoring, multiple science disciplines, as well as whānau observations, to inform the Āpiti Hono Tātai Hono (AHTH) assessments, and create a base framework for ongoing management.”

“This will be followed up on future expeditions to build our knowledge base,” says Riki Parata, MKTT Team Leader about the work the team is conducting.

The team is now well inside the Antarctic Circle, having already visited a number of Subantarctic Islands - including the Auckland Islands (landing and shore based activities), the Snares (small boat activity, no landing), and Cape Adare on its southern journey.

“Early in the voyage, we undertook a three hour zodiac ride on 11 January, around the southern end of the Snares. The amount of sea birds was overwhelming, with sooty shearwater, prions, albatross and petrels as far as the eye could see.”

“Tītī burrows could be seen on the mainland from our boats, with krill on mass on top of the moana, with huge bait balls forming around them that attratced larger fish species, penguins, and larger sea birds into a feeding frenzy”.

“On 12 January, we visited the Auckland Islands, where we undertook a cultural assessment of both Ranui and Hardwicke Settlements, and we then deployed to Enderby Island to undertake a further cultural assessment, and also drone operations as a part of supporting and building on a March 2023 archaeological expedition undertaken by Ngāi Tahu researchers Gerald O’Regan and Matiu Prebble”.C. Aitchison – Skyworks UAS

“The opportunity to further explore and record know Māori settlements and activities on Enderby Island and then Macquarie Island, as a whole team were significant outcomes for the expedition team.”

As we move south, the team plans to undertake a range of activities that includes marine mammal research using small boats, from the sea ice edge, and on land”, shared Riki Parata in his update on activities from the first full week of deployment.

C. Aitchison – Skyworks UAS

As of 22 January 2024, their vessel, the Heritage Adventurer, was well inside the Antarctic Circle and approaching Terra Nova Bay, where further research is planned.

Posted: 23 January 2024