80601 (2024). Arena Williams to the Minister for Rail

80601 (2024). Arena Williams to the Minister for Rail: What work has KiwiRail undertaken with local iwi and Hapu, if any, that raised concerns about the Bunnythorpe regional freight hub?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: I am advised at the start of the project in early 2019, KiwiRail reached out to a wide range of iwi groups who have an interest in the Palmerston North area including Ngāti Kauwhata, Rangitāne o Manawatū, Ngāti Tahuriwakanui, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, and Ngāti Maniapoto. While all these groups were kept up to date with the development of the project, in depth workshops and discussions were held with: • Ngāti Kauwhata • Rangitāne ki Manawatu, and • Ngāti Raukawa ki te tonga The designation has been approved and I understand Rangitāne o Manawatū and Ngati Kauwhata are involved in Te Utanganui, which is the group considering next steps for the wider development.