Introduction
Southern Green Hydrogen is the name given to a hydrogen facility development in Murihiku-Southland, led by Meridian and Woodside Energy in partnership with Mitsui & Co and Murihiku Regeneration (on behalf of Ngāi Tahu). Ngāi Tahu have the option to step in as a project partner, which includes a seat on the governing board, at the final investment decision stage.
About the Project
The Southern Green Hydrogen project team are investigating the opportunity to build one of the world’s largest scale green hydrogen facility in Murihiku-Southland. Green hydrogen (hydrogen produced using renewable electricity) is a clean fuel which can be used to replace fossil fuels in a range of uses, including land transport, shipping, industrial processes, and electricity generation.
Southern Green Hydrogen will focus on the production of green ammonia for export to Asia, however the marketing strategy will also include an investigation of domestic opportunities. An agreement to export green ammonia is necessary to underpin an investment case for a large‐scale production facility but, once established, this facility will provide a platform to respond to domestic needs as and when the New Zealand hydrogen market develops, either through reallocation of offtake or facility scale‐up.
The facility could also support New Zealand’s transition to a 100% renewable electricity system by providing a cost‐effective method to mitigate dry‐year risks through flexible demand response (reducing or pausing production based on New Zealand’s electricity needs).
The Brand Project
An initial Southern Green Hydrogen brand was created in 2020. With the shareholder agreement now close to being finalised, we are seeking to develop a new brand identity to underpin the project’s communications and engagement through the development phase and beyond.
Our aspiration is to create a bicultural brand that reflects the connection of the project to Southland and mana whenua.
An agency will be engaged to deliver this project, with the specific deliverables being:
- A new brand identity for Southern Green Hydrogen – an evolution of the current brand that includes a cultural element or elements to connect the brand with iwi, hapu, and whanau
- A new logo
- Brand guidelines, including colours, typography, use of te reo
- Photography guidelines
The Brand Project is being led by Meridian Energy, on behalf of Southern Green Hydrogen. We have a preferred brand strategy agency but are also looking for a Māori design and/or brand agency to work with them. Any suggestions can be emailed to [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]
The Cultural Reference Group
We are seeking to create a Cultural Reference Group to support our agency (or agencies) in developing the brand identity and story that sits behind it.
We want to ensure that mana whenua have a voice in the brand project, and to help us create a brand that connects with the iwi, hapū, and whānau within the region, and supports our objectives for the brand, specifically that it:
- reflects our commitment to iwi, hapu, and whanau within the region
- recognises the role Ngāi Tahu will play in the project
- will resonate with iwi, hapū, and whānau.
Responsibilities
Members will be required to:
- participate in an in‐person workshop with the agency to explore the cultural context of the project and its significance to Māori and the region
- participate in two review sessions, run by the agency, to review and discuss draft and then revised brand concepts
The feedback of the reference group will be incorporated following both reviews, and we will work with the group to develop a process whereby progress towards the brand can be shared at key steps with rūnaka and other key stakeholders.
However, the final approval of the brand will rest with the project partners: Meridian, Woodside, Mitsui, and Murihiku Regeneration.
Timing
We have some flexibility around workshop and review session dates/times, but these will need to be held before the end September 2023. The initial workshop will be in‐person and held in Invercargill (we’ve provided dates we are looking at for this session in the How to submit your Expression of Interest section). The two review sessions are likely to be online.
Remuneration
The Cultural Reference Group members will be offered a payment of $2,000 (plus GST) for their role in the project.
How will we select participants?
Applicants will be selected against the following criteria:
1. Ability to articulate the history and stories of Māori in Southland
2. Ability to articulate the future aspirations of iwi, hapū, and whānau within the Southland region
3. Availability to participate in the sessions outlined in the Responsibilities section
We are also keen to ensure the group includes one or more people who can provide a youth or Maata waka voice.
The process of selection will be undertaken by a selected panel, with representation from Murihiku Regeneration, Meridian, Woodside, and Mitsui. All applications will be reviewed by the panel and we expect to be able to confirm membership of the group by 25 August.
How to submit your Expressions of Interest
Expressions of interest must be emailed to [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] by 5pm on Wednesday 16 August 2023.
Please email [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] outlining:
- Your full name, address, email address, phone number
- A brief statement sharing information about who you are and your background
- Your ability to fulfill the criteria outlined in the “How will we select participants?’ section above
- What personal qualities do you think you would bring to the Cultural Reference Group
- Confirmation of your availability to attend the first workshop in Invercargill on each of the following three dates: 7 September, 11 September, and 13 September (one date will be identified based on the availability of those selected for the group, however availability will not be a factor in group selection)
We ask that responses are no longer than three pages. If we need to clarify anything or ask for a referee, we will call you.
Further Information
If you have any queries or questions, feel free to contact us:
- [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]
- Andre Konia Kaihautū Maori and Meridian project lead [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] 0212038644
- Maria Pera Murihiku Regeneration Project Lead [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] 02145678