Whanganui Iwi and Genesis Energy Relationship
As a result of decisions made at the Rūnanga o Te Awa Tupua over the 2009 and 2010 year period, a relationship agreement was negotiated with Genesis Energy that saw Whanganui iwi withdraw from the litigation (the court process) since 2001 regarding the decision of the Manawatu-Whanganui Regional Council (Horizons) to grant resource consents over the Tongariro Power Scheme (TPS). Consultation hui were held throughout the rohe during November 2010 culminating in the Parikino Rūnanga o Te Awa Tupua held on 21 October 2010 at which the fundamental aspects of the relationship agreement were accepted. The WRMTB at the time was assigned the task of completing the documentation on behalf of the whānau, hapū and iwi of the River. Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui Trust now holds the relationship on behalf of Whanganui iwi.
Although the relationship agreement titled Hei Whakaaro Tahi ki te Mana o Te Awa has been accepted through the Rūnanga process, it is nonetheless recognised that entering a relationship with Genesis Energy breaks new ground for the Iwi. This Relationship Agreement provides the scope to address our continued opposition to the Tongariro Power Scheme and to look at alternatives to its continued existence.
Te Mana o Te Awa Fund
Te Mana o Te Awa is the brand name for a broad range of initiatives that have arisen from the relationship between Whanganui Iwi and Genesis Energy. This relationship and subsequent agreements acknowledge the impact of the Tongariro Power Scheme on Te Awa Tupua and on our cultural and spiritual values while maintaining our opposition to the Tongariro Power Scheme.
As part of the relationship between Whanganui Iwi and Genesis Energy, an initiatives agreement called Hei Whainga Take Ki Te Mana o Te Awa signed in April 2012, was agreed to establish a fund and several agreed initiatives named Te Mana o Te Awa. The purpose of the fund is to resource projects that enhance and protect the health and wellbeing of Te Awa Tupua, Te Mana o Te Awa and Te Mana o Te Iwi.
The overarching purpose of the Te Mana o Te Awa programme is the environmental, cultural and spiritual health and well being of Te Awa Tupua. Some of the projects under this programme are:
- Scholarships (Tertiary)
- Summer Scholarships/Internships
Projects and Initiatives
Connecting Flow
The establishment of a connecting flow for three manga iti near the headwaters of Whanganui River – Taurewa, Okupata and Tawhitikuri Streams.
Te Mana o Te Awa Funding programme
The overarching purpose of the Te Mana o Te Awa programme is the environmental, cultural and spiritual health and well being of Te Awa Tupua. Some of the projects under this programme are:
- Manga iti Funding – concise iwi led projects
- Scholarships (Te Rongoroa and Tertiary)
- Summer Scholarships/Internships
- Marae Capacity Fund
- Tupuna Rohe Capacity Building projects
Research and Monitoring
The purpose of the Research and Monitoring programme is to gain further understanding of the environmental, cultural and spiritual health and well-being of the Whanganui River and the impacts of various activities on the Whanganui River and the relationship between the Whanganui River and Whanganui Iwi.
Te Mana o Te Awa Logo
The below Te Mana o Te Awa design was developed by Hihiria Kumeroa for this kaupapa.
Te Mana o te Awa & Te Mana o te Iwi Grants
These grants support initiatives that uphold Whanganuitanga, strengthen our connection to Te Awa Tupua, and grow the capability and capacity of our people. The grant can provide up to $5,000 to support kaupapa.
Tertiary Scholarships
The aim of the Te Mana o Te Awa Tertiary Scholarships is to grow the collective expertise of Whanganui Iwi to contribute to and enhance the health and wellbeing of Te Awa Tupua and Whanganui Iwi.
Marae Capacity Fund
The Te Mana o Te Awa Marae Capacity Fund has been established to contribute to the infrastructural, legal, governance and administrative capacity of Whanganui iwi Marae in upholding Te Mana o Te Awa.
Covid-19 Marae Relief Fund
The Covid-19 Pandemic Marae Relief Fund provided a one-off payment per Marae of $10,000 to relieve financial tension that Covid-19 created and organise resources that brought immediate and long-term relief.
Current Activities Within Te Awa Tupua Catchment
This is a concise visual presentation of what activities are happening in the Te Awa Tupua Catchment.
Te Mana o Te Awa Funded/Supported Projects
Te Mana o Te Awa also supports Whanganui Iwi kaupapa above and beyond the programme initiatives. These are iwi kaupapa designed to build capacity, celebrate our Whanganuitanga and enhance the health and wellbeing of Te Awa Tupua.
- GIS 101 Training workshops
- Hapū development financial literacy workshops
- Pakaitore Celebrations
- Puanga/Matariki events
- Rangatahi Summit
- Rangatakapū Summit
- Tira Hoe Waka wānanga
- Whanganui Hunting and Food Festivals
Contact Te Mana o Te Awa
For general enquires please call the office on (06) 281 3375.
To submit an application please email office@ngatangatatiaki.co.nz
Or call into our office located at 357 Victoria Avenue, Whanganui (Corner of Victoria Ave and Liverpool Street).
Register
Do you whakapapa to the Whanganui River? Would you and your whānau like to be registered on the Whanganui Iwi Database? What does that mean?
It means that you get sent pānui and updates on kaupapa related to the Whanganui River and Te Awa Tupua, the people and the river from the Mountains to the Sea. You can also apply for the different grants that are advertised on our website and facebook page.
If you are already on the database and need to up date your details please head to the database or send us an email at office@ngatangatatiaki.co.nz