News

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

Kia Tū Trade Training Programme an ongoing success

In October the second group began the Kia Tū pathway programme at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT). The group are now well underway with exploring their pathway options and developing their ideas about future life and work.

On Wednesday 13 November the group enjoyed an incredible experience of visiting the Manapōuri Power Station. This included a ferry across lake Manapōuri and then exploration through the facility. We are grateful to Meridian Energy for supporting the programme.

Kia Tū visit to Manapōuri Hydro Power Station.

Other organisations the group will visit are:

• South Port
• Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter
• Invercargill Licencing Trust
• Downers
• Niagara Sawmill

Programme lead, Ivan Hodgetts commented that “an important part of our philosophy is that ‘if you can’t see it, you can’t be it’. This programme provides the opportunity for people to see a broad range of occupations and industry occurring in our region. Seeing the reality of industry and the breadth of occupations available is great. The willingness of our partners in industry to arrange these visits, and the stories about their own pathway that staff tell give the participants a rich insight into the world of work”.

Another great outcome from the programme is that participants build their knowledge, confidence and connection with SIT. Several have now enrolled in further study at SIT, to build the foundation of capability they will need to enter industry. This is a great outcome, helped in no small part by participants showing what they are capable of through their success in the Kia Tū programme.

SIT’s Russell Finlay commented that “we have seen these Ākonga go from strength to strength. It is really encouraging to see how they have developed and it gives us confidence to support their enrolment in trade related courses”.

During and after the Kia Tū programme, participants are supported to make their pathway aspirations a reality. Our Anamata Māia service does this work. The team is enjoying working alongside participants. Outcomes to date from the first cohort who completed the course in October are encouraging. Seven have now secured employment and three have enrolled in further study linked to their aspirations.

Interest in the programme continues to be strong. We are now recruiting participants for a third programme starting in late January 2025. If you or someone you know would like to be a part of the programme, contact or programme coordinator Abby: [Enable JavaScript to view protected content].

Should you know of employment opportunities and want to be involved in supporting our regions people, please let us know.

Of, course no programme is successful without the support of our sponsors and partners. We appreciate the ongoing collaboration with SIT and industry in our region.

Posted: 19 November 2024

First group of participants completes inaugural Kia Tū Pathway Programme at SIT

Congratulations to all the participants who completed the inaugural Kia Tū - Pathway Planning Programme at the Southern Institute of Technology.

The first group of participants completed the Kia Tū - Pathway Planning Programme today at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT). We took the opportunity to acknowledge the group participants with a celebration and shared lunch.

Graduates have gained the 20 credit Kia Tū – Pathway Planning Micro-credential through which they have built their knowledge of work and life opportunities and defined their own sense of direction. Over the course, participants have actively visited a range of trades and worksites across the region, giving them real-world exposure to potential career opportunities. After all as the saying goes, “if you can see it, you can be it.”

So far, the group has toured various workshops at the Southland Institute of Technology (SIT), including joinery, engineering, pre-trade construction, electrical and hospitality. They are also undertaking further training linked to their chosen pathway in the coming weeks. From here they will be supported by our Anamata Māia team as they move into further education and employment.

Ivan Hodgetts, Programme Leader for Te Ara Aukati Kore, commented: “We are really pleased with the programme. Participants have been able to explore industries in our region and build a solid understanding of the work and life they want. The participants have been engaged throughout, and I especially want to thank SIT tutor Keri Kairau, SIT staff, and our Anamata Māia team for the effort they have put into making the programme a success.”

Russell Finlay, SIT Programme Operations Manager – Academic, said “It has been great to see the growth in engagement, understanding, ability and personal aspirations reflected in each pathway plan. We have really enjoyed being part of the team delivering and supporting this programme and can’t wait to see where each graduates’ pathway takes them”.

Our Anamata Māia team has been impressed with the pathway plans developed and the honesty and courage of participants as they explore their own stories and future. Many were nervous about having to present their plans, but on the day they did a great job. Their motivation is an inspiration for us all.

The next programme starts on 15 October and is already full. This is a great endorsement of the programme. We will be offering further opportunities to participate throughout 2025.

Thanks to our sponsors

This programme wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Ministry of Social Development under its Māori Trade Training scheme. We also want to thank our other sponsors, including the Ministry of Education, Te Puni Kōkiri and the support of whānau at Hokonui Rūnanga.

Posted: 27 September 2024