Support for energy resilience in the Far North
Published: 13 February, 2026
Reliable, affordable electricity is on the way for a kura (school) and 5 marae north of Kaitaia, supported by a grant of up to $1.26 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF).
The project, Whiti Mai Te Rā, will install solar panels and batteries at the kura and marae, reducing energy costs and ensuring consistent power supply. A diesel generator will also be installed at the kura to provide backup electricity if needed in a civil defence emergency.
Marae and kura often serve as vital civil defence hubs during a crisis. By generating and storing their own energy, the 6 community sites will gain more reliable, lower cost electricity, while strengthening local resilience and improving energy security across the region.
The project is expected to save more than $100,000 per year in energy costs for the participating sites.
Funding recipient Aupouri Ngāti Kahu Te Rarawa Trust is partnering with Northland power company Kaumātua Energy, which will install and maintain the solar panels and batteries and act as the electricity retailer. Kaumātua Energy will also contribute 15% of the project’s total $1.48 million cost.
Installation is expected to begin in March 2026, starting with the kura before rolling out to the 5 marae.