Terry Nicholas and Ivan Hodgetts, from Murihiku Regenerate, at last week's meeting.
Murihiku Regeneration was set up in 2020 and is a collaboration between four Papatipu Rūnanga of Murihiku.
It was established in response to the uncertainty around the future of the Tiwai Aluminium Smelter.
The talk gave an overview of major areas that are being looked into including hydrogen and the opportunities it may present in Southland.
It is expected the renewable economy is projected to grow NZ GDP by $180 billion by 2028, and Southland has the potential to have a large role in that.
Understanding the different types of energy in the future is important as they will be classified like low carbon energy supply eg hydro, onshore/offshore wind, tidal and biomass.
Future trends around energy sources indicate work is being done globally by many organisations to decarbonise existing industries like aviation, marine and road transport as well as agriculture.
Growth will be important in new industries like aquaculture, data centres and green steel.
Murihiku Regeneration is also focused on education, environment and health.
Ao Tūroa is focusing on addressing environmental degradation and the two main projects include:
• Hokonui Rūnanga Kaupapa Taiao programme
• Te Tapu o Tāne – native tree nursery
• Te Tapu o Tāne – native tree nursery
Te Hau o Te Ora Partnered Primary Care Services is a formal partnership between WellSouth Primary Health Network, Hokonui Rūnanga Health and Social Services Trust, and Awarua Whānau Services.
To find out more about Murihiku Regeneration go to www.murihikuregen.org.nz