Te Ururoa Flavell
MP for Waiariki | Maori Party Whip

Friday 26 August 2011

Warm Up Waiariki says Flavell

Waiariki MP, Te Ururoa Flavell, is proud today, to mark the launching of a significant iwi to iwi initiative, with Tuwharetoa and Ngati Raukawa, to insulate 2600 homes of iwi members across Aotearoa.

Tuwharetoa Settlement Trust is launching a major energy project with EECA at Korohe Marae in Turangi. “The partnership that Tuwharetoa has entered into with Government is a wonderful tribute to iwi initiative and the political influence of the Maori Party being at the table”.

“We were able to negotiate an additional $24 million to fund insulation into houses of low-income householders, many of whom would be Maori”.

“I’m really proud that we have all been able to work together, to support the vision of Tuwharetoa to make the funding work for our people - and to ensure their whanau benefit from insulation and efficient heating”.

“The vision of Tuwharetoa has been able to be realized because of an impressive alliance operating with Ngati Raukawa who have extended support to Tuwharetoa, iwi to iwi”.

Ngati Raukawa were already established as a licensed insulator with EECA and shared their expertise with Tuwharetoa, by training a group of their people to be able to undertake the insulation business.

"Now, through the generous investment of Tuwharetoa, working alongside of Government, the insulation installments for their people are fully funded".

“This is a fantastic initiative which keep our whānau warm, it will address high health needs and keep our whānau well; and it will save money by reducing the power bills. It’s a win-win all round”.

Note

• The Acting Minister of Energy and Resources, Hekia Parata, has described this project as "the largest iwi home insulation partnership to date".
• As part of the negotiations around the Emissions Trading Scheme, the Government agreed with the Maori Party to fund insulation into around 6000 homes either as part of the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart Programme, or through special projects.
• The original Raukawa-Tuwharetoa pilot received funding support through EECA and Te Puni Kokiri.

ENDS

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