Makiuti Tongia
Village / Islands you are from: Rarotonga, Ngaputoru (Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke), Mangaia, Aitutaki
Community affiliations:
- Avatiu sports club
- Social Impact Fund board member
- Cook Islands Prostate Cancer Foundation member
- Tell us something about yourself?
I am a former president of the Avatiu sports club. I was also a former head of the Ministry of culture. I was also a lecturer in Maori studies at Victoria University, and a lecturer at Teachers College. I used to teach at Papaaroa School. I also have experience in both the public (Ministry of Education) and private sector.
- Why did you say yes to being an Advisory Committee member?
When I was a Tereora College pupil in the 60s and 70s, I recall the previous research expeditions. So I’ve been following this sector for a long time, which is why I was interested in being part of the Committee.
I was also a member in the previous seabed Advisory body back in 2013, along with Bishop Pere. Our Country needs to diversify – Deep Sea harvesting is one avenue. In addition, our Country needs capital to lift/evolve education curriculum in information technology, space, deep sea technology. This is one tool.
- How will you engage with the community regarding the seabed minerals sector?
I want to let our people know about our seabed minerals we have in our waters. Especially now during these COVID-times, where we are seeing our economy getting hit hard. This affects our development as a country. We may be able to utilise our seabed minerals to help the development of our country.
- What are the challenges you think you will face as a Committee member?
I see several challenges.
Firstly, there are some who say that SBM will negatively impact the deep sea environment. To those people I say, let’s work together. Let’s not criticise each other but rather work
together so that we can develop this for the benefit of current and future generations. Perhaps they will be aware of technologies, tools and methods that will be environmentally sustainable. We must use the right tools to pick up the minerals.
Our nodules are found at around 6,000 m below the sea. When you look at how minerals are sourced on land, they have to dig to get to the minerals. For our nodules, you don’t have to do that, it is sitting on the surface of the sea floor.
Also, we need to train our people. We must develop our education system, so in high school our students are studying SBM related issues in the marine sciences and technology disciplines so they are getting prepared for the future. Our young people need to have the right level of education to participate in this sector. My generation’s role is going to be to encourage our youth to take an interest in these issues.
- What are you looking forward to in the future for seabed minerals sector?
I support the development of our nodules. However, we must be careful to ensure this is done sustainably so that we protect our marine environment. We need to be careful and conserve and manage our seabed minerals well. Not only for us, but for the next generations to come.
We also need to prepare ourselves in terms of education and the skills we will need. That’s the challenge for us and the Government – to prepare ourselves for when this becomes a reality. We need educated people to prevent problems and issues that will deter the development of our resources. Push for new directions in Education sector in Environment courses, business classes, and technology classes.
Push for research into our society and identify patterns developing to prepare us of future directions in industries, economics, education, technology, deep sea technology inventions.
Raise the tertiary, high school level of education and promote Maori values/language to and for our children.
