Propelled by the collective passion of locals, volunteers and organisations working in partnership with local not-for-profit, Energise Ōtaki Charitable Trust, this Kāpiti Coast town is quickly becoming a vibrant hub for clean energy innovation.

"Locally, there is a very real need for solutions that reduce dependency on imported energy and increase energy efficiency," says Energise Ōtaki Chair, Leigh Ramsey. "Ōtaki faces many challenges, including older homes that lack insulation and limited access to public transport," says Leigh, "for us, it is so important to engage with the community and educate people on how they can reduce energy consumption and save money."

Refurbishing bicycles at Energise Ōtaki’s Bike Space. Image Credit: Energise Ōtaki

Founded in 2010, Energise Ōtaki has a kaupapa to connect Ōtaki's power source – its people – with lean, clean energy projects. Relationship-building has been key to their ongoing success, and their partners now include Wellington Community Trust, Zero Waste Ōtaki, Te Puna Orānga o Ōtaki, Ōtaki College and Kāpiti Coast District Council (an enthusiastic supporter since day one), and small but valuable personal donors

Since launching, they have supported a broad range of initiatives. This includes Rau Kūmara; Aotearoa’s first community-owned solar farm initiative and winner of the 2021 Best Community Energy Project at the New Zealand Sustainable Energy Awards. The farm now has two sites, providing power to Ōtaki College and the Council’s wastewater treatment plant, with plans for a third site in the works.

Energise Ōtaki chair Leigh Ramsey does maintenance at the trust's Rau Kūmara solar farm.

"The Solar Farm is a great example of what communities can do when they come together. The Kāpiti Coast District Council has been instrumental in the success of this project," says Leigh, "in fact, all of our projects have been a result of brilliant community collaboration.”

On a smaller scale, Energise Ōtaki also helps households to improve energy efficiency through simple, everyday home improvements and lifestyle changes. They run a curtain bank, providing free tailored and lined curtains to over 60 local families a year, and a Bike Space, giving away refurbished bicycles (100 to date, with a goal of eventually giving away 500 a year) for a healthier, more energy-efficient community.

Rau Kūmara - Energise Ōtaki’s Solar Farm.

Funding for growth

Energise Ōtaki is ambitious with exciting plans for growth, says Leigh.

“Our biggest focus is to build capacity and strengthen our operational structures so we can continue to work towards our vision.”

Nikau Foundation was delighted to support the team, by providing a grant of $7,000 towards salary costs. “For us, this funding is invaluable – it has allowed us to free up the time of trustees so they can focus on the big picture and get more of our projects off the ground."