A shift towards energy sovereignty and sustainability on the East Coast is gaining momentum, with Te Rimu Trust leading the way through a locally driven solar farm development in Te Araroa.
A $1.04m grant from Te Puni Kōkiri supported the installation of the solar panels. Trust Tairāwhiti provided a loan of $400k to help commission the solar farm.
Stage one of establishing the solar farm will see more than 500kW of solar generation installed on Te Rimu Trust whenua. The ground-mounted system is expected to produce more than 805MWh of electricity per year, helping ease the pressure on the strained power supply in Te Araroa. For years, communities along the coast have been vulnerable to outages due to a limited feeder line along State Highway 35 and some of the country’s highest power bills.
“When Gabrielle struck, it highlighted just how vulnerable we are. Our power line relies completely on the infrastructure from Gisborne to Te Araroa. If there’s a slip or damage, we’re isolated. With the solar installation almost complete and battery backup planned for stage two, we’ll be able to keep Te Araroa running even during outages,” says Te Rimu Trust chair Richard Clarke.
By providing a reliable, local energy source, the solar farm will support the coastal community’s growing commercial enterprises, whenua development, local marae, schools, homes and future papakāinga.
The solar farm location allows for restorative native planting alongside the solar infrastructure, making sustainable use of the whenua and supporting future resilience.
“This is about keeping the lights on and putting power back in the hands of our community.
“Once connected, it will have the capacity to power up to 120 homes and support other commercial and community developments like the neighbouring aerodrome, the mānuka honey processing facilities and the Te Rimu Trust lime orchard.”
Local employment has already increased with rangatahi engaged to help with the solar farm installation by putting together the racks. Throughout the process, they’ve gained mātauranga in renewable energy technologies, which supports aspirations for future career opportunities. Richard, a retired electrician, has also returned to the tools to support the kaupapa.
“Engaging local kaimahi wherever we can and bringing the community on the journey with us has been a priority. Further opportunities for local employment will only grow as the project develops,” says Richard.
Following the Eastland Network sale, the Trust committed to supporting local energy projects that strengthen resilience and capacity in the region. This project reflects that commitment in action for the East Coast.
“We really appreciate the support from Trust Tairāwhiti. The Trust’s contribution to the solar project and the wider community has been great. It’s making a real difference for Te Araroa and the wider Ngāti Porou rohe.”
