August 06, 2018
Māori world leaders in energy transition
Two University of Auckland academics say Māori and local communities communities have a vital role to play in New Zealand’s transition to a low carbon economy.
Politics lecturer Julie MacArthur and sociologist Steve Matthewman are organising New Zealand’s first forum for Local and Community
Dr McArthur, who has mapped community-owned energy projects across New Zealand, says Māori are already engaged in geothermal energy, energy sufficiency and community energy projects.
Ngāti Tūwharetoa Geothermal Assets in Kawerau is the largest provider of direct geothermal steam to industry in the world, while at the other end of the scale, iwi-owned Awarua Synergy at Bluff is retrofitting homes with insulation and recently put up a small wind turbine at the Te Rūnaka o Awarua Marae.
She says owning energy assets gives communities control over design, siting, where the profits should be spent, as well as education and training.
The forum in Wellington later this month will bring together policy-makers, local authorities, Māori and community organisations to share best practice and find out what is needed for community energy to flourish on a practical level.
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