Ms Clarke — the opening keynote speaker — thanked the New Zealand Government and the “team of five million” for their “extraordinary achievement” of eliminating Covid-19 transmission.
She told the audience “we are in our own sort of post-Covid reality in Aotearoa”.
“Life in Aotearoa feels very much like normal. We can meet in person rather than zui(online hui). We can hongi and hug, rather than do a mini bow. We can go about our normal lives and generally live like we used to.
But while “it might feel like normal, we are not out of the woods.”
International borders were closed and global storms were still raging.
“The health, economic, and geopolitical impacts will affect us all.”
“The impacts on the developing world will be devastating. The full impacts of Covid-19 on the most vulnerable is yet to be seen.
“We have the chance to chart a path to a better future.”
Climate action was needed, she said.
“We have an opportunity to build back better and build a green recovery.
“The lockdown helped many of us reconnect to our immediate surroundings. We noticed how quiet the roads were, how clean the air was, how the birds sang. It was like the world was given a break from the wear and tear of our hectic lives.”
The United Kingdom government was seeking to build better relations with Maori and incorporate tikanga Maori into their climate approach, she said.
“We need to make sure the next generation is at the base of our recovery. We need to make sure we have their interests at heart.”
She spoke of how renewable energies could be more beneficial than coal.
“Covid-19 has shown how fast we can move when we need to, We can change our policy and behaviours at pace.”
A panel discussion on Tairawhiti's Covid-19 response followed her speech.
Panel members were Hauora Tairawhiti chair Kim Ngarimu, Gisborne District Council Civil Defence Emergency Management Group controller Dave Wilson, hapu and Ruatoria community checkpoint lead Tui Warmenhoven, Turanga Health chief executive Reweti Ropiha and Amohaere Houkamau of Toitu Tairawhiti.
In response to a question from the MC Matai Smith on how it felt being appointed group controller in February and then dealing with a global pandemic in March, Mr Wilson said it was “the hardest thing I've ever done”.
Ms Warmehoven said checkpoint volunteers along the East Coast had questioned over 12,500 vehicles during lockdown.
Ms Ngarimu spoke of the speed in which the health sector acted in response to Covid-19.
Mr Ropiha shared his experiences in organising care packages for those in need.
A second panel discussion was on the Rau Tipu Rau Ora regional recovery plan.
The panel members were district council chief executive Nedine Thatcher Swann, Trust Tairawhiti chief executive Gavin Murphy, Eastland Group chief executive Matt Todd and Manaaki Tairawhiti and Toitu Tairawhiti representative Herewini Te Koha.
Mr Todd said Eastland Port had gone “gangbusters” once lockdown ended because of demand for wood for China.
Another keynote speaker, Minister for Regional Development Shane Jones, shared insights into the Provincial Growth Fund but warned the audience there could possibly be no PGF after the 2020 General Election.
Te Whanau o Waipareira Trust chief executive John Tamihere spoke briefly on Whanau Ora, then the Maori Party.
Director General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield followed (his speech was covered in yesterday's Gisborne Herald).
Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage talked about how the Government had invested $1.1 billion to create 11,000 environment jobs in the regions to restore the environment.
“Tairawhiti will benefit from that and it is still early days with the applications so if you want to apply, then do so,” she said.
Sir Wira Gardiner rounded off the first day.
“I was thinking about a military reference for where we are with Covid,” he said. “I would say we have captured the objective but we cannot let our guard down.
“We still have cases at the border, which means there is still a threat.”
The second day was a series of discussion with Toitu Tairawhiti executives about the recovery plan, training and workforce development options. There were also various workshops and sessions with representatives of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Provincial Development Unit, Ministry of Primary Industries, Ministry for the Environment, Department of Conservation, Te Puni Kokiri and local employment advisers.
Following this the Rau Tipu Rau Ora governance and executive representatives spoke about what the recovery plan meant for the people of Tairawhiti and what businesses could do to contribute to Rau Tipu Rau Ora.
