Community groups present their energy projects as part of the Activator programme
The Taranaki Community Energy Activator has wrapped up it's 13-week programme.
On Tuesday 9 December 2025, we wrapped up the final week of the Taranaki Community Energy Activator - the culmination of a 13-week programme supporting local groups to design and progress their own community energy projects.
Many of the teams presented their projects back to us, and we were genuinely blown away by the progress they’ve made, consideration of ideas and the depth of learning on display. The projects included initiatives such as:
- Energy sharing in Waitara
- Solar for schools
- Low-cost, locally made battery solution
- Renewable energy for an iwi-developed subdivision
- Bioenergy power generation
- A community-owned energy co-operative
- Ōkato community energy hub
See all the groups here.
Delivered in partnership with Powerco, Community Energy Network and Community Energy Taranaki, the Taranaki Community Energy Activator showcased the potential of community-led energy initiatives and the power of collaboration to create solutions that put communities first.
The Activator is a 13-week learning journey, based on the Ara Ake Community Energy How-To-Guide, guides individuals and groups through the process of establishing community energy projects. The programme brings numerous benefits to communities by democratising energy knowledge, making it accessible to everyone, and empowering communities to take control of their energy future, even with little prior knowledge. It provides the tools, confidence and insights needed to create projects that are both effective and tailored to the specific needs of their communities.
