HE PĀNUI: Waimangu Geothermal Research Programme

A significant milestone for Ngāti Rangitihi and Tūhourangi: $3 million approved for the Waimangu Geothermal Research Programme

Tēnā koutou e te whānau,

We are delighted to share some wonderful news for Ngāti Rangitihi and Tūhourangi.

The Government has approved a $3 million grant for the Waimangu Geothermal Research Programme, a joint initiative led by our two iwi to better understand and protect the Waimangu geothermal system.

This is a significant milestone for both iwi and the culmination of considerable work to establish a research programme grounded in our shared responsibilities as mana whenua.

Understanding and protecting our geothermal taonga

The Waimangu geothermal system is a significant taonga to our two iwi. Formed following the 1886 eruption of Tarawera maunga, it is recognised as the world’s youngest geothermal system.

For our iwi, Waimangu holds deep cultural, ancestral and environmental significance. We share a strong responsibility to care for and protect it for present and future generations.

While Waimangu has been studied at the surface, much remains unknown about what lies beneath it, how the wider geothermal system functions and how it’s different features and surrounding geothermal systems may be connected.

These gaps in knowledge matter.

To exercise our responsibilities as kaitiaki, we need a stronger understanding of the system, its natural processes, its health and the factors that could affect it over time.

At the heart of this programme is a simple principle: we must better understand what we are responsible for protecting.

What will the research involve?

The programme will bring together existing scientific information, historical research and mātauranga Māori with new scientific research.

Working with specialist researchers, including Earth Sciences New Zealand, the programme will seek to improve our understanding of the geothermal system through monitoring, scientific research and modelling.

The research programme is staged. Stage 1 will review existing information, identify knowledge gaps, acquire additional data, refine the conceptual model, assess potential research well locations and progress the necessary monitoring and permissions. Stage 2 would only proceed if supported by the Stage 1 findings and the required approvals, and could involve shallow research wells and associated testing. The location of any research wells have yet to be determined.

The research programme will be guided by a clear set of principles: protecting the integrity, mauri and natural functioning of the geothermal system; supporting cultural reconnection and access; and considering commercial and other opportunities where consistent with the first two principles.

Alongside the research programme, we propose to develop a Te Ahi Tipua Framework to give broader effect to these principles across the Waimangu geothermal system and to guide the Board’s research priorities, activities and decision making.

Any physical research activities will be carefully planned and undertaken in stages, with particular consideration given to the protection of the integrity, stability and natural functioning of the system. Research activities will be informed by appropriate scientific and cultural assessments, including potential risks and cumulative effects on geothermal features, the surrounding taiao and cultural values. Activities will also be planned to minimise disruption to existing tourism operations, cultural access and other activities within the wider Waimangu area.

This is a research programme. It is not an approval or commitment to geothermal development or commercial extraction.

Our priority is to build the knowledge needed to support responsible, informed and long-term stewardship of this taonga.

Joint iwi leadership and governance

Recognising the customary interests and responsibilities of our hapū and whānau, our two iwi Trust Boards have come together to establish and lead this research programme.

Ngāti Rangitihi and Tūhourangi have therefore established Waimangu Geothermal Research Programme Limited as a dedicated company to oversee the research programme on behalf of both iwi.

Both iwi trusts retain equal ownership and shareholder oversight, with each iwi appointing three directors to the company’s six-member Board.

The directors appointed are:

NGĀTI RANGITIHI

• Leith Comer

• Graham Pryor

• Linda Falwasser

TŪHOURANGI TRIBAL AUTHORITY

• Kirikowhai Mikaere

• Rangitihi Pene

• Deliah Balle

The respective iwi Trust Boards retain their shareholder responsibilities, while the company Board will oversee the governance and delivery of the research programme. This joint approach enables us to bring our knowledge, responsibilities and expertise together while maintaining the distinct interests and accountabilities of each iwi.

Protecting our knowledge and information

An important part of the programme will be ensuring that the knowledge, research data and intellectual property generated through this work are appropriately protected and governed.

Our intention is to establish a Mana Whenua Data Governance Framework that recognises the responsibilities of mana whenua in determining how information is held, accessed, used and shared.

This includes respecting mātauranga Māori, protecting culturally sensitive information and ensuring that valuable scientific knowledge is managed responsibly on behalf of both iwi.

While the research is expected to contribute valuable knowledge for wider public benefit, we also recognise that some information requires careful stewardship. The detailed arrangements will be established through the programme’s funding, research and governance agreements.

Where to from here?

With funding approval now confirmed, our immediate focus will be on establishing the company’s governance and operating arrangements and working with our research partners to confirm the detailed programme.

We are committed to keeping our whānau informed as this work progresses and providing opportunities to share knowledge, ask questions and contribute to the programme.

This is an important achievement for both our iwi. It provides an opportunity to strengthen our understanding of Waimangu, build our collective capability and ensure mana whenua remain at the forefront of research into this extraordinary geothermal taonga.

We acknowledge everyone who has contributed to bringing this kaupapa to fruition. Above all, we see this as an investment in our people and our rohe, building the knowledge that will help us fulfil our responsibilities to Waimangu and the generations who will follow us.

Ngā mihi nui, 

Leith Comer

Chair – Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust

Kirikowhai Mikaere

Chair, Tūhourangi Tribal Authority