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Land locked land

a unique challenge

Te Puni Kokiri were running a pilot project to better understand land locked-land challenges and their potential solutions. Te Hono worked with three trusts to better understand their unique access issues, how this was impacting their current and future land use options and moemoeā, and flesh out viable options to resolve these issues.

Where we started

We first met with the Trustees of each Trust to discuss and agree on their moemoeā for the whenua and then how they wanted to work thought this project. A project plan was created for each tailored to these objectives, communication and stakeholder requirements. We worked closely with the Trustees, regularly checking in to feedback on progress and seeking advice and input on next steps.

Challenges

The whenua is in a remote part of New Zealand which has a dramatic and at times hazardous climate. It’s remoteness means there are significant distances to urban centres where people and resources are. Access issues aside, the climate and cost to develop limit development options. Looked at from another angle, its remoteness is also a part of why it’s such a special place.

For each trust there is also a human-challenge to gaining access: the history, relationships with neighbours, and in some cases political agendas. For two of these trusts they face significant political challenges, acknowledged by both sides, but there is a willingness to work together to find a solution.

Solutions

Utilise grants

to cover the cost of infrastructure so the Trust can focus on its development objectives.

Power in numbers

uniting to be a louder voice to advocate for the objective and share the workload.

Find and agree on commonalities

with key stakeholders and work towards those, the detail can be worked out as progress is made.

Outcomes

For two of the Trusts, where it was appropriate, they are working together to take on their significant challenge.

For two of the Trusts, a legal easement could be done in a way that also supported its neighbour’s objectives, thus a win for both parties.

A successful grant application resulted in construction of a unique infrastructure solution to access and positive conversations with neighbours.

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