In Ōkato and Tataraimaka, a group of motivated residents are working together to champion local, sustainable, and resilient energy systems.

The team includes the owners of a lifestyle orchard exploring a ground-mounted solar array and non-toxic battery storage, alongside the new owners of the former Ōkato Cheese Factory, who are reimagining the site as a sustainable hub.

Both are committed to energy sharing, agrivoltaics, and peer learning.

With several households in the area already using solar, batteries, or EVs, this team is well-positioned to foster a network of local champions and support wider community uptake.

WISE, a member of the Community Energy Network, is exploring the installation of solar panels and battery storage on their buildings, and potentially land, in Waitara. The goal is to generate income through selling electricity, helping to sustain their core community-focused operations.

With a strong history of addressing energy hardship through initiatives like installing insulation in homes and curtain banks, WISE brings deep community connections and experience to the project.

Electrify Your Whare (EYW) is a community-led programme designed to inspire, enable and support Taranaki households to rapidly electrify their homes and appliances.

The goal is to help the community overcome barriers to electrification by saving money, improving health outcomes, & reducing climate emissions. The initiative uses a “with you, not for you” approach, grounded in behavioural science & local collaboration.

The Taranaki Community Battery Skunkworks (TCBS) project aims to foster the development of a low-cost, and locally repairable 100 hour battery solution, using materials readily available in NZ.

The ultimate goal is to demonstrate an affordable 100 hour storage technology and enable the Taranaki-based manufacturing and reconditioning services for long term storage batteries, to ensure energy accessibility, affordability, and resilience for the communities of Taranaki and beyond.

Te Atiawa is interested in the Activator as a spring-board to wider iwi energy projects.

The first project they are investigating is a global energy project for their 4-5ha, 60-70 residential subdivision at Waitara (only at pre-design stage) - embedded networks, learning; focus on "total cost of occupation".

Equinox Energy Solutions is a community group dedicated to advancing sustainable, efficient energy solutions through innovative waste-to-energy initiatives in Taranaki and wider New Zealand. Led by Dr Leah Graham, EES hopes to forge the bioenergy industry in NZ through the development of bioenergy power generation through “Swarms” of embedded mini CHP Cogeneration plants that can be ramped up with increasing electricity demand response due using a storable source of energy – Biomass Wood Pellet.

EES are also working on developing an Industrial Anaerobic Digestion facility in Taranaki that can process the regions organic  waste into biomethane which they plan to liquify, bottle and then sell as a substitute to LPG.

EES offer free engineering and specialist advice, services and guidance to Taranaki community energy groups. They are also happy to help with assessing possible energy projects, project planning, energy engineering, business case development and applying for government funding and investment. In exchange, they are looking for land/or buildings to lease, and potential partnerships with anyone wanting to enter the gas, energy, power generation or waste recovery industries.

Green School New Zealand Community Solar Energy Installation. To utilise GSNZ global brand, unused land, and the opportunities uniquely available within school sector.

Using new solar energy investment models to reduce the school's operational energy cost further and export energy to our wider community contributing towards future energy resilience.

Popoia Te Tangata has been operating since 2014, supporting whānau and the wider South Taranaki community through te reo Māori hui, wānanga and kaupapa. Their current vision is to grow this work into a permanent, sustainable reo Māori community grounded in mātauranga Māori and connection to te taiao.

A key concept is the living classroom – a space for shared learning and intergenerational wellbeing, where whānau can grow kai, care for whenua, and develop resilient systems for future generations. Plans include a whare wānanga, maara kai, animal care, kai storage, and housing.

The team is in the early stages of this long-term kaupapa and is seeking guidance on energy planning, resilient infrastructure, and funding pathways. They aim to make informed, future-focused decisions as the project grows.

With support from trusted partners such as Pīwakawaka Trust, TOI, Parihaka Maara Trust and others, Popoia Te Tangata is looking to power their vision for a thriving, self-sustaining reo Māori community.

This team is developing a community-supported solar model for schools, inspired by the successful Ōtaki College project.

Their aim is to reduce school operating costs, create resilience hubs (eg for civil defence), provide educational opportunities, and promote clean energy uptake in the wider school community. Initial interest has come from Inglewood and Te Paepae o Aotea, with plans to use these as pilot sites.

Their goal is to walk away with a practical, fundable project plan that includes a pathway for electrification (eg solar, hot water heat pumps) and community engagement. A detailed proposal is available for those interested in collaborating.

Blue Green Frontiers is launching a community-owned energy co-operative aimed at creating energy equity through shared ownership. Their mission is to give everyday people the opportunity to actively participate in, and benefit from, the energy transition, while also lowering their power bills.

They are especially interested in connecting with others who share a vision for inclusive, community-driven energy solutions.

COMMUNITY ENERGY TARANAKI

COMMUNITY ENERGY NETWORK

ARA AKE

ARA AKE

ARA AKE

FLEX PROJECTS

POWERCO

POWERCO

POWERCO

POWERCO

COMMUNITY ENERGY TARANAKI

SILK ADVISORY

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY

ENERGY FOR GOOD

HIRINGA ENERGY