A shift toward energy sovereignty and sustainability is underway on the East Coast, with Te Rimu Trust leading a locally driven solar farm development in Te Araroa.

For years, coastal communities have been vulnerable to outages due to a single feeder line along SH35 and some of the highest power bills in Aotearoa. By introducing a local, reliable renewable source, Te Rimu Solar Farm directly addresses these challenges while advancing regional energy sovereignty.

Backed by a $1.04m grant from Te Puni Kōkiri and a $400k loan from Trust Tairāwhiti, stage one will deliver 500kW+ of solar generation, producing over 805MWh per year. Eastland Generation have partnered with Te Rimu Trust to support capability and sell the generated power on the wholesale market under a Power Purchase Agreement.

The power generated will ease pressure on the strained coastal power supply and improve resilience for whānau, businesses and community facilities.

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Te Puni Kōkiri Senior Advisor Chaans Tumataroa-Clarke, Te Rimu Trust Chair Richard Clarke and Te Puni Kōkiri Senior Advisor Iona Maxwell.

Community impact

Local employment has grown, with rangatahi helping assemble racks and gaining mātauranga in renewable energy technologies. Richard Clarke, a retired electrician, has returned to the tools, emphasising the priority of engaging local kaimahi.

Future stages will expand opportunities as the solar farm and planned battery backup system are developed.

The solar farm location allows for restorative native planting alongside the solar infrastructure, making sustainable use of the whenua and supporting future resilience.

Project stages

  • Stage one (current): Install and commission 500kW+ ground-mounted solar, connect to the local network, and begin generation (~805MWh/yr expected).

  • Stage two (planned): Battery energy storage system to maintain supply during outages and optimise solar output for the community.

“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.”

 

— Richard Clarke, Chair, Te Rimu Trust

From commitment to action

Following the Eastland Network sale, the Trust committed to backing local energy projects that strengthen resilience and capacity in the region. Te Rimu Solar Farm is that commitment in action for the East Coast.

805MWh+

expected output of renewable energy generated per year. Up to 120 homes equivalent capacity.

$1.04m

Te Puni Kōkiri grant.

$400k

Trust Tairāwhiti loan.

(Correct as of 2025)

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