Listen Now: 
April 09, 2026
#economy: Māori Power Provider Reopens Doors After Securing Landmark Energy Deal
Dale Husband
Posted On April 9, 2026
Download AudioMāori-owned electricity retailer Nau Mai Rā is reopening to new customers for the first time in 18 months, marking a major step forward for a kaupapa built on supporting whānau through energy hardship.
The move follows the company securing access to wholesale electricity through the new Pool of Power arrangement, a development that now allows it to expand beyond its capped customer base.
Spokesperson Ezra Hirawani says access to the Pool of Power represents a turning point, providing the stability and supply certainty needed to grow while maintaining the organisation’s care-led model.
Previously, limitations in accessing affordable wholesale electricity meant Nau Mai Rā had to restrict new sign-ups to ensure it could continue to support existing customers effectively. The new agreement with major gentailers has changed that, opening the door for more households to join.
The kaupapa is centred on supporting whānau experiencing energy hardship, with the retailer known for its Whānau Fund, which helps customers manage power costs and avoid disconnection. Hirawani says the new arrangement strengthens their ability to expand that support, ensuring more families can access affordable and reliable electricity.
Customers can expect a continued focus on fairness and stability, with pricing designed to reduce volatility and prioritise long-term wellbeing over short-term profit. The expansion is also expected to grow the Whānau Fund, increasing the pool of support available for those most in need.
Nau Mai Rā’s approach challenges traditional models in the electricity sector, placing whānau at the centre of decision-making. The organisation says its kaupapa demonstrates that a values-driven, community-focused model can deliver better outcomes, particularly for Māori and low-income households who are often disproportionately affected by energy costs.
The reopening signals not just growth for Nau Mai Rā, but a broader shift in how energy services can be delivered, with advocates pointing to the potential for more equitable systems across the sector.
As new customers are welcomed, the focus remains on maintaining the kaupapa that has defined the retailer’s work to date, ensuring that expansion does not come at the expense of care, connection and support for whānau.
RELATED NEWS
