9 October 2024
Collaborating with hapū
In 2022, we discovered that a vital transmission tower needed to be replaced. The new tower, Tower 29A, would need to be installed in a forest known to Te Parawhau – the local hapū, as Pukenui Ngahere. Read more on this project here.
As kaitiaki of Pukenui Ngahere, Te Parawhau played a key role throughout this project. Their significant input through a Te Ao Māori approach resulted in a construction process that upheld kaitiakitanga, and a supply solution with minimal impact on the taonga species of the forest.
Throughout the project, important cultural protocols were followed. Early on, a mihi whakatau – a formal meeting – was held with our executive to signify the importance of the partnership between Northpower and Te Parawhau. Their valued feedback on the potential designs resulted in a mutually beneficial solution. We kept the dialogue flowing between the project team and hapū – listening to each other during every step of the project.
To conclude the project, Te Parawhau blessed the site and gifted Tower 29A the name of ‘Toitū Te Hihiri’ – which translates to ‘to hold up the life energy that flows through us’.
The contributions and guidance from Te Parawhau were incredibly valuable to this project, with our Chief Executive Andrew McLeod, and representatives from Edison Consulting Group and Lumen commenting on the benefits of the collaboration.
