A marae solar energy initiative is strengthening the resilience of 22 marae across Tairāwhiti. This kaupapa supports marae to remain operational during power outages and extreme weather events, so they can continue caring for and supporting their communities when it matters most.

Powering marae through challenging times

During recent severe weather events, marae have played a vital role as safe places for communities and displaced whānau. Marae doors were opened to provide shelter for displaced whānau and serve as a central hub for coordinating local response efforts. A reliable power supply at marae is essential to support this work, especially when the wider network is disrupted.

Pahou Marae

What's been achieved

Built for resilience

Trust Tairāwhiti co-ordinated the project, working closely with solar suppliers, contractors, and marae representatives to identify the support needed before, during, and after installation. This ensured marae received a fit-for-purpose energy solution that supports both everyday use and emergency response efforts.

A bespoke wānanga programme supported this project, which helped each marae and wider whānau understand the fundamentals of their solar systems. The wānanga provided practical knowledge and guidance to apply during power outages, whether caused by extreme weather or the regular disruptions experienced in remote areas.

Funding partners

The project is funded by the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust, Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority, Te Puni Kōkiri, Department of Internal Affairs Lottery Community grant, Eastern & Central Community Trust, Todd Foundation and Trust Tairāwhiti.

 

“After Gabrielle, we had nothing, like everybody else. We hope that solar will help us with that, not just for the marae, but for the community.”

 

— Tui Ferris, Muriwai Marae

 

“This investment brings real resilience. It’s a great example of a community working with local and central government, funding agencies and iwi Māori across the East Coast to deliver real benefits.”

 

— Simon Watts, Minister for Energy and Climate Change

Energy sharing opportunity

Grid-connected marae

Solar systems are in place for marae connected to the grid, giving them the option to explore energy sharing in the future. For now, most marae are taking time to understand how the systems reduce their power costs before deciding whether to take part in any energy distribution programme.

As generation capacity grows, marae will be able to produce more energy than they use. This creates opportunities to share surplus power, reduce costs and strengthen local energy independence. Over time, marae can become local energy hubs, showing what a community-led energy future can look like across Aotearoa.

Off-grid marae

The programme also includes marae that have never been connected to the main grid or were disconnected in the past. Three off-grid marae, Tikapa, Reporua and Whareponga, are part of this initiative. The new systems have strengthened their ability to operate at higher levels across the marae and neighbouring homes.

There are strong examples of these marae becoming active microgrids, hosting community open days that provide laundry services, phone charging and kai freezer initiatives, among other support.

Marae Solar 2.0

Marae Solar 2.0 is a proposed next phase of the Marae Solar programme. Initial planning and scoping are underway to explore expanding solar coverage to more marae across the region in a cost-effective way, while continuing to support long-term energy resilience.

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