Last month our Operations Manager, Paul Miller met with ten New Zealand Maori groups in ten towns, from Invercargill in the South to Gisborne in the North.

Paul, was accompanied by Chris Sunderland from environmental consultancy, ERM, and Patrick Gemmell, Maori Engagement Consultant, during the 11 day road trip to inform and seek feedback on Phase 1 of Searcher’s planned “Kehu 2D Seismic Survey”.

All of the meetings resulted in very constructive feedback and Searcher thanks each of the iwi involved for their participation.

One highlight of the trip was the hui (meeting) at the meeting house on the Rongomaraeroa Marae (cultural and spiritual meeting place for Maori people) in Porangahau, where the travelling trio were traditionally greeted and welcomed to present the Kehu project overview to a number of trustees and members of the Marae.

It was very pleasing to learn of both environmental and cultural aspects relating to the proposed survey and gain a small insight into the strength of the Maori culture continuing through New Zealand’s growth and development in modern times.