Taranaki Community Energy Activator
The Taranaki Community Energy Activator is a free 13-week programme, running from 16 September – 9 December 2025, supporting local communities to explore energy needs, aspirations and opportunities.
Explore. Learn. Connect.
The Taranaki Community Energy Activator is a free 13-week immersive programme designed to support communities across Taranaki to explore, learn and connect around their energy needs, aspirations and project ideas.
Through a mix of in-person hui, site visits, and weekly online sessions, the programme will create a dynamic, collaborative space where communities can learn from one another and from experienced advisors from around the motu.
Why community energy?
Community energy is emerging as a powerful way for local groups, such as neighbourhoods, iwi, businesses or community groups, to take charge of how energy is generated, stored and used.
As Aotearoa New Zealand transitions toward a low-emissions future, community energy projects are proving their value by:
- Reducing energy costs
- Easing pressure on the electricity network
- Building stronger, more resilient communities
- Reducing emissions
What is the Community Energy Activator?
To help more of these projects take shape, Powerco, Ara Ake, Community Energy Network and Community Energy Taranaki are collaborating to launch the Activator in Taranaki.
The Activator is a hands-on, supportive programme that will empower groups with the knowledge, tools, and connections to explore what community energy could look like.
The Activator was first launched in Canterbury in 2024, with nine groups taking part. Their projects ranged from installing solar panels for youth centres and community housing, to exploring off-grid solutions and donating surplus renewable energy to households in need.
Read more about the first community energy activator in Canterbury
What to expect
Throughout the 13 weeks, you’ll:
- Get practical advice on funding, partnerships, and technical considerations
- Build confidence through real-world examples and interactive sessions
- Receive expert guidance, hands on support, and mentoring
- Learn tools to design energy solutions that work for your group
Why and how to join
The programme is based on Ara Ake’s Community Energy How to Guide and welcomes participants at any stage of the journey. If your community is curious about energy independence and wants to explore local solutions together, the Activator is a great place to begin. No technical expertise is required, just passion and a good idea!
Register your interest in joining the programme by filling in the 'event enquiry' form at the bottom of this page.
Information
- To register your interest in joining this programme, fill in the 'event enquiry' form below. In the 'company' section, please give us some details about your project or idea.
- The programme will run from 16 September until 9 December 2025.
- An information evening will be held at 6pm, Thursday 4 September at Ara Ake, 8 Young Street, New Plymouth.
- The sessions will run on Tuesday evenings from 6pm-7.30pm for the 13 weeks, plus two field trips. The sessions will be in-person, but online attendance will be available.
- If you have any questions, please contact us at info@araake.co.nz.