Inaugural NZ Hydrogen Symposium (NZHS-1) He Hanoka Hauwai German-NZ Hydrogen Centre Announced
There was strong Ngāi Tahu presence at the inaugural research-focused New Zealand Hydrogen Symposium (NZHS-1), held in Dunedin, Ōtākou, 1-3 February 2023, hosted by the 
University of Otago and the newly announced He Hanoka Hauwai German-NZ Hydrogen Centre. It saw a great turnout from both around Aotearoa and many international partners interested in the emerging hydrogen economy in Aotearoa.
Upoko Terry Nicholas presenting at the Inaugural New Zealand Hydrogen Symposium.
The co-chairs of this first of the annual conferences were Prof Sally Brooker, Dr Paul Jerabek and A/Prof Anna Garden; the two co-leaders of the German-NZ Green Hydrogen Centre He Honoka Hauwai and one of the principal grant researchers.
A gifting ceremony of the name and pou by Ōtākou Rūnanga representative Edward Ellison and Dr Hana O’Regan, presentations from Murihiku Upoko, Tā Tipene O’Regan and Terry Nicholas, described the need for green hydrogen as a part of the global energy transition.
Delegates were welcomed to the inaugural NZ Hydrogen Symposium by Tā Tipene O’Regan and challenged with the opportunities NZ has with regard to green hydrogen. View Tā Tipene’s opening speech here.
Terry Nicholas described the event as, “an opportunity to share with others the important work that Murihiku Regeneration is undertaking on behalf of Hapū, for successive generations and in the national interest”.
See here for a copy of the presentation (PDF, 16.35 MB).
Terry also notes that, “the relationship that Murihiku Regeneration is developing through its international partnerships, including with Germany, is important. Germany is a leading adopter of green hydrogen and we have much to learn. We have already had a delegation visiting Germany on green hydrogen, have the support of Dr Regina Eisert around science and innovation opportunities with Germany. We will also be looking to invite potential future German to the region to work alongside us on this mahi.”
Find out more about He Honoka Hauwai - German-NZ Green Hydrogen Centre.
L-R: Murihiku Regeneration representatives Terry Nicholas and Ivan Hodgetts; Professor Sally Brooker from the University of Otago.
Posted: 25 February 2023