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September 02, 2022
Marae project tests solar power impact
Adam Gifford
Posted On September 2, 2022
Eight Ngātiwai marae along the eastern coast of Taitokerau will be fitted with solar panels to create a virtual power network to support rural households.
The project known as Te Rangi Paki o Ngātiwai is one of 16 small-scale solar projects to be funded from the third round of the Māori Housing Renewable Energy Fund.
The projects support up to 150 households with insecure access to power, who are experiencing energy hardship, or who can benefit from the sharing surplus power through community energy networks or micro-grids.
Associate Housing Minister Peeni Henare says projects from earlier funding rounds have in some cases halved whanau power bills.
Energy and Resources and Housing Minister Megan Woods says the projects allow the government to test new ways to share and store off-grid renewable energy and to better understand the costs, benefits and challenges.
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