The Awarua Hub-SEED has formed a steering committee consisting of a chairperson, project co-ordinator, two rūnanga trustee representatives, two project team leaders and a legal and financial advisor. With initial funding from Te Pūtahitanga as a Whānau Ora initiative, the steering committee and a small team of dedicated volunteers have set eight long-term goals which are on their roadmap:
- To maximise cultural, social and eco-tourism opportunities
- To have a rongoā based pharmaceutical and cosmetics micro industry
- To have opportunities in farming and fishing (including aquaculture)
- To have a centre of excellence, research centre and aquarium
- To have a community and youth centre with a sporting arena
- To have an aged care and retirement centre that provides respite care
- To have a rejuvenated tourism and retail centre
- To have specialist tertiary education and training.
The Awarua Hub-SEED currently has two projects underway:
‘Scavengers’ A scare experience like no other. Set in an old dump site, you will be equipped with a SWAT uniform and your mission, if you choose to accept, will be to collect ammo and clues to escape the Scavengers arena while being hunted by the local tenants.
‘Awarua Nutraceuticals’ – Cosmetics created from local marine by-product and sold through Ngāi Tahu sales channel. Four products have been created by three local wāhine using extracts from our humble Bluff Oyster shell.
Recently, project members from the Awarua Hub-SEED held a hui at Te Rau Aroha Marae to inform other Bluff community groups of their current projects either underway or in the pipeline. It was also an opportunity to network and meet members of other groups to see what they are doing, and offer support.
The Awarua Hub-SEED has a strong strategic intent to create self-sustaining initiatives for our people and our town, Bluff. These initiatives will allow more employment opportunities, availability of more educational resources, more social services and will also provide a platform for the next generation to express their talents, skills and capabilities.
If you want to be part of Awarua Hub-SEED, they are currently seeking volunteers with the following skills: engineering, building, website design and digger operating. If this sounds like you, please contact Amy on 03 212 8652 ext 707 or email: [email protected]. You can also follow the group on Facebook: awarua entrepreneurs.
Terina and Danielle Stockwell at the Awaura Rūnanga hui in Te Rau Aroha Marae, Bluff.
Tyron Strongman explaining the concept of ‘Scavengers’ at the community hui.
Jason Harrison explaining the broader project plan.