24 | Todd Energy - Ngā Ringawera Otaraua T T Sue Russell Enjoying a fruitful collaboration REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The enthusiasm Donna Eriwata has for her role as CEO of Waitara-based Ngā Ringawera Otaraua bubbles through as she talks about the enterprise, which in partnership with Todd Energy, has been recognised at the 2025 Energy Excellence Awards, receiving the Community Initiative Award. Ngā Ringawera Otaraua was established as the commercial arm of Taranaki’s Otaraua Hapū with several aspirational visions. “We wanted to find ways to engage our people in meaningful employment, to grow closer links and understandings with the energy sector, and to create environmental outcomes aligned to our cultural beliefs and practices,” Donna explains. The relationship with Todd Energy, which historically had an adversarial element to it, turned a corner when, in 2014, Otaraua Hapū and Todd Energy first joined forces, each sharing a commitment towards better, more positive and productive interaction. The satisfaction Donna takes from having achieved a new path of collaboration for Ngā Ringawera Otaraua with Todd Energy, has driven her passion for the role. “It just shows that with good will and a willingness by parties to listen to each other and find a common pathway, great things can certainly be achieved.” That collaboration has found expression in several ways. From providing services at Todd Energy’s sites, including rig camp operations in Taranaki and the Bay of Plenty, Ngā Ringawera Otaraua has also had a seat at the table, introducing environmental impact assessments, environmental and cultural monitoring, and planning and designing biodiversity initiatives. “By having input into project design, we have a collaborative goal to reduce the on-site environmental footprint, and stimulate and broaden biodiversity outcomes. “This provides a way for Mātauranga Māori to form a rightful place in their decision-making processes.” With this growing relationship, Donna has seen a change between Todd Energy and the hapū communications, allowing for more opportunities for full and frank korero. “We worked really hard to bring to Todd Energy an awareness of how the quality of communication can really shape the outcomes, and they were open and willing to understand,” Donna says. She says by utilising the gains from contracts with Todd Energy, they have been able to make gains, especially in the environmental area, where they can practise kaitiakitanga. “We’ve established our very own native plant nursery, with a 120,000 plant capacity and we have the skills and resources to design and plant out many sites, including Todd sites. “We have encouraged planting narratives that support our kaupapa for our native birds, fish, flora and fauna, and strive to create an environment where these taonga species are nurtured and thrive. “We also bring to the table our own mauri compass where we incorporate a regular plan for water and soil sample collection, testing and monitoring, and have a team that have been certified to identify and report on an app for fish passage assessments – another project with NIWA that Todd Energy supports, “All this activity has created meaningful employment pathways where over 50 people can be seen engaged across the camp sites, P&P - Redefining Partnership & Value with Todd Energy. A lasting relationship, turning ideas into great! service delivery, environmental projects and our native plant nursery at peak times.” Donna says, statistically, Otaraua Hapū has struggled to achieve economically, as evidenced in low employment and housing outcomes, so the benefits the partnership with Todd Energy bring is something that will echo well into the future. Donna says she shys away from such occasions as the gala awards event, instead enabling some of the “young ones to experience the moment”. “I’m so excited about the talent we have and the attitude our young people have that they want to engage and collaborate with others.” The work and dedication put in by so many is something Donna has seen bear fruit in the last decade. “I simply can’t wait to see what the future will bring to our people. It’s through relationships such as we now enjoy with Todd Energy that great gains are being seen.” And the benefits flow both ways, with Todd Energy recognising the partnership with hapū has brought about greater operational efficiency while bringing a deeper understanding of Te Ao Māori to its workforce. Todd Energy CEO Mark Macfarlane says the award was a great recognition for what has been achieved. ”It’s been a privilege for Todd Energy to partner alongside Otaraua Hapū over the past decade. Although awards are never the goal, winning the Community Initiative of the Year at this year’s Energy Excellence Awards was a great moment for our team. “All that we have progressed and achieved together with Otaraua Hapū highlights the importance of community connection and the power of collaboration. “We look forward to continuing the journey with Otaraua Hapū to ensure lasting social, economic and environmental outcomes.” A long-standing partnership between Todd Energy and Otaraua Hapū is demonstrating how business and iwi can work together to create enduring social, cultural and economic value.
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