COMMUNITY PROJECT #408 - COMMUNITY SOLAR GARDEN
Mission Statement:
To decentralise energy production and provide affordable, clean power to whānau renters through shared solar infrastructure on marae land.
The Needs Assessment:
Current energy systems in Te Tai Tokerau are part of a fragile "Colonial Grid" that is linear and centralised. Many low-income whānau, particularly those who rent, are locked out of solar benefits because they do not own their roofs, leaving them vulnerable to rising costs and energy insecurity.
Core Objectives:
Install a 50kW solar array on pilot marae land to serve as a local "Energy Pā
Onboard 30 local renting whānau as subscribers to receive reduced-cost power
Reduce participating household electricity bills by at least 25% within the first year
Establish a "Mesh Network" resilience plan to allow the marae to "island" its power during emergencies
Stakeholder Map:
Marae Trustees: Providing the land and kaitiakitanga for the array
Local Whānau Renters: The primary beneficiaries and subscribers
Solar Engineering Partners: For technical installation and system maintenance
Community Energy Trust: To manage the billing and subscription model
The "Impact" Model:
This initiative replaces the "Leaky Bucket" of energy spending with a circular Te ŌhangaMauri model. Revenue from subscriptions covers maintenance and expansion, while the surplus power increases the Mauri of the marae. It is powered by the sun and the collective will of the people, not offshore corporate interests
Engagement Strategy:
We will hold "Energy Wānanga" at the marae to explain the subscription model and the physics of the "Observer Effect" in resource management14. Sign-ups will be prioritised for whānau in damp or high-need housing.
Resource Requirements:
A suitable area of unshaded marae land for array placement
Tier-1 solar panels, inverters, and battery storage units
Smart-metering technology for subscription management.
Initial capital via regional impact investment or government grants.
Timeline of Action:
Week 1: Site assessment and geotechnical survey of marae land.
Week 2: Community hui to finalise the subscription criteria and fee structure.
Week 3: Procurement of hardware and finalising the technical design.
Week 4: Official ground-breaking and commencement of the "Energy Pā" build.
Mauri Assessment
Te Taiao (Environment): +2 — Generates clean, renewable energy and reduces reliance on high-entropy fossil fuels
Te Ahurea (Culture): +1 — Strengthens the role of the marae as a modern "Economic Pā" and a source of mana for the people
Te Tangata (Social): +2 — Lowers the cost of living for low-income whānau and increases community resilience
Te Pūtea (Economic): +2 — Retains energy spend within the region, stopping "capital flight" to national retailers
