We hosted the Ngāi Tahu wānanga on mining, oil and gas on 4-5 October, where the overview of existing and future mining and exploration for minerals, oil and gas in the takiwā was presented.

We were privileged to hear from a number of well-prepared representatives from Ministry for the Environment, Environmental Protection Agency NZ Petroleum and Minerals, the Department of Conservation, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Maritime NZ, Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of NZ, Tui Mine Remediation Project, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment and remedial mining and hydraulic fracturing specialists.

The first day of the hui was extremely informative and there were a lot of valid questions raised in response.

In particular, we were delighted to hear the inspirational story of the Tui Mine Restoration Project, in which the rehabilitation of a mine on the western flanks of Mt Te Aroha in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, was completed through a government, council and iwi collaboration (and around $20million). It was a reminder of the power of iwi engagement with local and national authorities to achieve good environmental outcomes.

Go to http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Services/Regional-services/Waste-hazardous-substances-and-contaminated-sites/Tui-mine/ for this wonderful story.

On the second day, Dr Katharina Ruckstuhl and associate professor, Lyn Carter (both Puketeraki members), presented a summary of a collaborative publication that has just been released called ‘Māori and Mining’. You can view this publication online from 30 October.

Following their presentation was an in-depth kōrero by Ngāi Tahu members about their own views on extractive industry in New Zealand and trying to find a way forward for iwi. Overall, it was a golden opportunity for many. We so often only get a part of the picture and become confused by the overload of information coming at us. A special thanks to Linda Kirk for her mahi to make the hui happen.

Associate Prof. Lyn Carter speaking at the Ngāi Tahu tribal wānanga 2013.

Associate Prof. Lyn Carter speaking at the Ngāi Tahu tribal wānanga 2013.