New community-level energy projects to support more than 800 Māori households

The government has already funded 42 small-scale clean energy projects that generates 1925kW of electricity and provides 1121kWh of storage for around 435 Māori households. As a result, some household monthly power bills have dropped significantly – up to 50%.

This funding round deliberately focused on larger-scale projects. The broader scope means there’s more space for projects to innovate and trial new ways of generating, distributing and managing community-generated and owned energy.

Some projects from earlier funding rounds have also enhanced the resilience of communities and reduced reliance on diesel generators, lowering emissions. Others provide opportunities to support Māori energy businesses and empower communities to have greater energy independence.

Once all 49 projects are complete, the Māori Housing Renewable Energy Fund will support energy projects reaching an estimated 1270 households, and generate an estimated 4207kW of renewable electricity with 2839kWh of battery storage.

List of funded projects

Read the Ministers’ press release:
New community-level energy projects support more than 800 Māori households(external link) — beehive.govt.nz