Representatives from Otakou and Puketeraki runanga as well as the iwi’s head office in Christchurch made a joint presentation at the Dunedin City Council’s 10-year plan hearing yesterday.
Otakou kaumatua Edward Ellison told councillors Ngai Tahu saw its role as a partner and participant in the development of the city,
The iwi wanted to expand its financial, cultural, environmental and educational footprint in the city, Mr Ellison said.
‘‘We strongly believe in Dunedin City and what it has to offer and our place in it.’’
Dunedin was about embark on some major developments and the iwi wanted to be part of those where it could and also develop a larger presence in the city, Mr Ellison said.
The iwi already had formed good relationships with other institutions, such as the University of Otago and the Otago Polytechnic, but the key relationship was between Ngai Tahu and the council, he said.
Part of the relationship would include using some of the iwi’s significant financial backing to invest in the city.
‘‘That’s why Brett is here from Christchurch because he brings the big purse which complements which we see as our future; it’s not just performing mihi and powhiri.’’
It was also important the iwi’s history and stories were more visible in the city, he said.
Ngai Tahu business development general manager Brett Ellison, of Christchurch, said the iwi wanted to expand its presence outside of Christchurch and Queenstown.
‘‘We’ve got a strategic intent about looking how we can invest in the regions and Dunedin is one of those areas and it’s us really saying we’d like to invest more here.’’
‘‘If there’s an opportunity for a collaborative project, then that would be great.’’
Ngai Tahu had been involved in discussions about both the Dunedin Hospital rebuild and the Steamer Basin redevelopment and the iwi would respond to those discussions when and if they went ahead, he said.
It was the role of the iwi’s corporate arm to support the aspirations and goals of the local runanga, he said.
Otakou Runaka representative and former Ngai Tahu chief executive Tahu Potiki said Dunedin was in many ways better placed to build on its relationship with the iwi than Christchurch had been after the earthquakes.
‘‘We’re desperate to spend our money in Dunedin but it has to be on a platform of partnership and shared protection,’’ Mr Potiki said.
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull said it was a very opportune time for the council and the iwi to be exploring how it could grow their relationship.
Dunedin was about to go through a resurgence and it was exciting to have Ngai Tahu signal it wanted to contribute and grow its presence in the city, Mr Cull said.
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Ngai Tahu have every right to contribute to the development of Dunedin, just as any other group; no more and no less.
Doesn't make sense, why would Tahu say Dunedin is in a better position than Christchurch, - would it not be better to support Christchurch as they are in more need? - Do not get into bed with Cull or the DCC they both have no clues, or is the why Dunedin is in a better position than Christchurch an easier push over? because Cull appears to not like conflict he rolls over puts his head under the blankets waits until it all passes hoping it goes away.
Ngai Tahu and all other tribal corporations are welcome to create or partner in developments in Dunedin. And if they want to include cultural and artistic facets to their developments then thats fine too. They just should be treated exactly the same as any other developer, pay their way and not get or expect handouts from ratepayers.