Information for Maori Stakeholders

Has Chatham Rock Phosphate (CRP) consulted Māori and iwi and imi regarding the Project?

CRP has, with the assistance of advisors Tuia Group, developed a Māori stakeholder engagement strategy which identifies a number of Māori stakeholders that may have an interest in the project, including local iwi, imi and other Māori interest groups.  CRP is working closely with Māori groups identified, as part of our stakeholder consultation process.

How does the EEZ Act protect Maori interests?

The law provides a stakeholder consultation framework that includes comprehensive engagement as a forerunner to the formal proceedings; public notice of marine consent applications, a public hearing process in some circumstances and may also include the EPA placing conditions on consented activities.  The Act applies to activities undertaken by CRP.  

How does CRP intend to respect Māori protocol and values in its operations?

CRP acknowledges that Māori have a strong sense of responsibility to act as Kaitiaki/guardians of all natural resources of this country.  Respecting the inherent connection that Māori have to the environment is important to CRP.  Through our consultation process, working closely with Māori groups, CRP is gaining a better understanding of their views on the Project and so can provide for those views where appropriate. 

What are the benefits of the project for local iwi?

Our project will have particular benefits for the Chatham Islands.  We will be able to supply the islands with fertiliser at a much cheaper price; little fertiliser is applied on the islands because of prohibitive transport costs.

Federated Farmers representatives on the Chathams estimate fertiliser could increase farm production up to 10-fold and add as many as 350 new jobs.  Given the islands’ current population is lower than 600, that increase in farm production could transform the local economy and make the cost of infrastructure such as power and transport more affordable.

Side benefits for the islands include employment opportunities on the mining vessel and using island resources for support services such as rescue, monitoring, etc. CRP has also committed to supporting local causes and providing scholarships as part of its desire to be a good corporate citizen.

CRP has undertaken a wealth of research in the Chatham Rise area.  The data collected for a range of environmental studies has contributed to a very robust environmental impact report detailing the impact of the project activities on the environment as well as identifying appropriate mitigation measures. 
The research undertaken will at the same time significantly contribute to the store of public information used by scientists to understand New Zealand’s environment at sea, particularly in the Chatham Rise.  CRP is sharing this research and data with local iwi and imi and other key stakeholders.
CRP is keeping local iwi and imi updated on project activities that may affect their interests and meeting regularly to discuss matters of importance and possible opportunities.