| 105 Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa COMMUNITY Job opportunities priority for Rūnanga Kim Newth Minister for Economic and Regional Development Stuart Nash officially launched the Harakeke Strawberry Farm at an opening event in July, a proud occasion for Te Rūnanga o Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa. www.empak.co.nz 03 338 6296 Creating employment opportunities for their uri (iwi members) is a key priority for Te Rūnanga o Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa. A new strawberry farm in the Whanganui area is the latest business investment to demonstrate that commitment. Minister for Economic and Regional Development Stuart Nash officially launched the Harakeke Strawberry Farm at an opening event in July, a proud occasion for Te Rūnanga o Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa. Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa Developments Ltd, the Rūnanga’s asset holding company, announced last November that it was developing the hydroponic operation to grow strawberries in tunnel houses. Enabling the development of this exciting project is a co-investment partnership between the Rūnanga and the Government. In 2020, the project received funding from the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) in the form of a $1.62 million loan and a grant of $894,636. The Harakeke Strawberry Farm is using the latest technologies to enable the production of premium quality fruit for export and local markets. It is expected to create 25 jobs in its first year and up to 36 jobs by its third year of operation. Three hectares of tunnels have already been built, with plans in place to build another two hectares next year. The project is being developed on a 370ha block of land near Whanganui Prison. Hon Stuart Nash praised the Rūnanga for their vision in providing productive opportunities for local people to work and contribute into the future. “It [the strawberry farm] provides opportunities for everyone,” said the Minister in an interview for Te Reo o Te Uru regional news. “That story, that vision is spot on, 100 per cent.” At the opening, Te Rūnanga o Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa chief executive Grant Huwyler, observed that their own people were managing and leading the project and this was a source of real pride. “This is a first for us to build a structure like this … This is a big piece of infrastructure, built on our land, for us,” he said in an interview with Te Reo o Te Uru. “We got a significant grant from the Crown to help with building this farm, as well as a concessionary loan. We’re quite proud that we have delivered and were therefore able to bring the minister here and have him launch it and show him what’s next.” The Rūnanga’s core strategic themes are: Whakatupu/Grow; Tiaki/Protect; Hapū Ora/ Hapū Wellbeing; Tuhono/Engage; and Whakarata/Serve. Through Treaty settlements, Ngā Wairiki and Ngāti Apa have established a foundation for growth and development and are committed to providing opportunities for employment, for access to whenua and wai and the provision of training and growth opportunities. The Harakeke Forest land where the strawberry farm is being developed was part of Ngā Wairiki-Ngāti Apa’s Treaty of Waitangi settlement. The Rūnanga is also part of a limited partnership that owns the former Flock House farm near Bulls, now called Te Hou farms and running dairy and livestock. Ngā Wairiki-Ngāti Apa is developing a range of programmes covering culture and identity, leadership, environment, hauora and hapu capacity building. Their headquarters Te Poho o Tuariki was once home to Tuakina Girls College which closed in 2015. Te Poho o Tuariki has become a hub for health and wellbeing services and educational programme delivery. There are many more projects to come, including in renewable energy development. Contact: Pirihira Tamehana, M: 027 669 3949, E: comms@ngawairikingatiapa.iwi.nz
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