Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui Trust Awarded Environmental Award

Thursday October 29.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui Trust chief executive Debbie Packer has acknowledged the hard work and commitment of iwi and staff in accepting an environmental award on behalf of the iwi last night.

The South Taranaki based iwi was a joint winner of the Environmental action in the community category at the Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Awards held in New Plymouth.

Ms Packer said Ngāti Ruanui is committed to its role as kaitiaki for the environment, a taonga that must be protected for this and future generations.

“While it is an absolute honour to be acknowledged for the good work our people do, it is mahi that is driven by beliefs and expectations that have been handed down by generations of our Ruanui ancestors.

“This is a role we take very seriously and that will always be at the forefront of our decision making to ensure the environment is protected for all.”

Ms Packer acknowledged the other winners at the award ceremony and said she was pleased to see positive acknowledgement for those who were committed to protecting the environment.

The Trust won the award for “developing guidelines for engagement with Māori for the petroleum and minerals industry”.

Trust Chairman Haimona Maruera said it was important that the views and expectations of iwi were reflected in activity which had potential to disrupt the mauri and well-being of the environment.

“We are committed to ensuring that the protection of the environment and sustainability are paramount in the decision making of those looking to capitalise on resources within our rohe.”

About Te Runanga O Ngāti Ruanui Trust

Te Runanga O Ngāti Ruanui Trust is the post settlement governance entity for South Taranaki based in Ngāti Ruanui.

Based in Hawera Te Runanga O Ngāti Ruanui Trust are committed to Ngāti Ruanui wellness, and that this is achieved by taking a holistic approach to Ngāti Ruanui cultural, social, education and economic wants, needs and aspirations to build a strong cultural, social, political and economic base for ngā uri o ngā hapu o Ngāti Ruanui by

• Growing the asset base

• Improving whanau, marae, hapu and iwi capability

• Strengthening Ngāti Ruanuitanga

• Actively exercising kaitiakitanga

• Expanding the regional and national influence of Ngāti Ruanui

ENDS

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