New round of Māori housing fund sees a boost in solar tech, cost savings

This third round of the Government’s $28 million Māori Housing Renewable Energy Fund gives further targeted support to households with insecure access to power, or who are experiencing energy hardship, to assist in their post-COVID recovery. Many more will benefit from the sharing of surplus power through community energy networks or micro-grids.

These projects are estimated to save $700–$850 per household annually. 7 are located in Te Tai Tokerau/Northland, one is in Te Tai o Aorere/Tasman and the others are spread around Te Ika-a-Māui/North Island. All projects generate solar power but differ in how they store and share energy.

Of these 16 projects, one will install solar panels on 8 marae in Northland, creating a virtual network to support rural households under the Kaupapa of Te Poari o Ngātiwai, known as Te Rangi Paki o Ngātiwai. Another in the Bay of Plenty is installing a solar smart grid across 35 homes in a papakāinga that will share a community battery.

These projects are also developing the knowledge and skills of the local community. For example, Ngāti Toa-owned community housing provider Te Āhuru Mōwai, which received funding in an earlier round, is now conducting joint research with Victoria University to support community houses with innovative solar energy solutions. 

Te Āhuru Mōwai is also collaborating with SolarZero, which is looking to use, train and support an iwi-affiliated company to help with the installation and are working with a local Māori electrical trade business.

Round 3 also includes a further $5 million to fund larger-scale projects. Applications are currently being assessed. Kāinga Ora is administering the remaining $14 million to trial solar panels on public housing. The agency aims to install solar panels on 1000 public homes by 2024.

Read more about the Māori Housing Renewable Energy Fund

Solar tech boost a cost saver for Māori households(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz