Te Kaahui O Rauru Responds To Fast-Track Approval Of Waiinu Energy Park Application

For Immediate Release

Te Kaahui o Rauru acknowledges the Government's decision to approve Meridian Energy's Waiinu Energy Park proposal for consideration through the Fast Track Approvals process.

While the decision allows the project to progress to the next stage, significant matters remain unresolved from an iwi perspective.

As the post-settlement governance entity for Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi, Te Kaahui o Rauru has engaged with Meridian Energy for several years regarding the proposed development. This engagement has been undertaken in good faith and reflects our commitment to ensuring the interests, rights, responsibilities and aspirations of Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi are appropriately recognised and protected.

Te Kaahui o Rauru recognises the importance of addressing climate change and supporting Aotearoa’s transition to renewable energy. However, our primary responsibility remains the protection and revitalisation of Ngaa Rauru Kiitahitanga, our unique cultural identity, values, tikanga, and relationship with our whenua and taiao.

The proposed development is located within an area of deep cultural significance to Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi. Potential impacts on cultural landscapes, waahi taonga, marae, whenua and the ability of future generations to maintain connections to these places remain matters of ongoing concern.

Throughout our engagement with Meridian, Te Kaahui o Rauru has consistently raised the need for a comprehensive understanding of how the proposal may affect Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi, and how adverse effects can be appropriately avoided, remedied or mitigated. While some progress has been made, important information gaps remain, including the completion of a Cultural Effects Assessment.

Te Kaahui o Rauru recently entered into a Terms of Engagement with Meridian Energy to support ongoing dialogue and ensure iwi perspectives are meaningfully incorporated into project planning and decision-making. We remain committed to this process and expect engagement to continue in a genuine, transparent and constructive manner.

The Fast Track referral decision should not be interpreted as resolving the cultural, environmental or community issues raised by Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi. Rather, it marks the beginning of the next phase of assessment, where these matters must be carefully considered and addressed.

Te Kaahui o Rauru will continue to advocate strongly for the interests of Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi throughout the approvals process and will work to ensure that Treaty settlement arrangements, cultural values, and the aspirations of our uri are upheld.

ENDS