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Source: Rudmer Zwerver, Shutterstock
Summary
- KiwiRail announces Kawenata agreement with local Maori group of the South Island.
- The deal will strengthen ties between the two and help future development.
- New associations have been formed through the Toi Toi Maori Programme.
A recent report revealed that Te Atiawa o Te-Waka-a-Maui and KiwiRail have reached a formal Kawenata agreement. This agreement is unique because it’s the first of its kind, signifying a relationship between the company and the local iwi in Aotearoa. The significance of the Kawenata agreement signed at Waikawa Marae is that it can be considered a cornerstone in the relationship between the locals and the company.
The deal was made official through an agreement between David Gordon, the COO at Capital Projects and Asset Development segment in KiwiRail, Ron Riwaka, the Te Roopu Manaaki Chair, and Rachael Hate, the chair at Te Atiawa o Te-Waka-a-Maui.
In lieu of KiwiRail’s activity in Waitohi Pictan, the Company has maintained a well-rounded relationship with the Te Atiawa o Te-Waka-a-Maui. The landing and departing of passengers as well as the Interislander rail are some of the regular associations of the KiwiRail in this area.
In short- term, due to the redevelopment of the Waitohi Picton, there are several other benefits, such as being able to build a broader gyre of mutual respect and co-existence, which will be able to help in a better collaboration of ideas, and ultimately help in better sustainable growth for Rohe. Greg Miller from KiwiRail is of the view that the two Companies are working continually to ensure that all the hapu and iwi that are affected by the projects are well taken care of, and the signing of the new deal is a milestone in this direction.
Rachael Hate of the Te Atiawa o Te-Waka-a-Maui said that the efforts and contribution of KiwiRail was appreciated and had been welcomed by them, as the manawhenua of the Kura Te Au. She further added that the agreement was the best way to celebrate future associations.
In order to bring a broader Te Ao Maori angle to their organisation, the company is taking the help of the Toi Toi Maori Programme to prepare a generation of new leaders who work with whom they can work for the collective benefit of the local society.
