The $28 million Renewable Energy Fund supports projects that take on the bigger jobs in Māori housing such as installing solar panels and solar water heating. But also the smaller things that can make a real difference for whānau already living in public housing. This might be installing smart plugs, LED lighting or providing energy advice.

Te Puni Kōkiri supports individuals, whānau, hapū, iwi and rōpū with funding, information, advice and practical support to achieve their housing aspirations.

Alongside other agencies, Te Puni Kōkiri has developed the implementation plan for this work. The Fund itself is administered through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Expressions of Interest (EOI) need to be with MBIE by 5pm, 19 February, 2021.

Cheaper energy sources and smarter ways to manage energy, equal lower energy bills. Lower bills may encourage whānau to use more heating, leading to warmer, dryer homes and better health.

Harnessing clean, cheap energy to reduce bills for Māori is at the heart of this new fund. But it has also been designed to further support the government’s commitment to renewable energy and climate change goals.

Te Puni Kōkiri is reviewing its past and present papakāinga investments to determine if any might be suitable for this fund. Whānau and rōpū can also submit an EOI themselves.

Half of the Fund’s $28 million is available for projects on Māori housing and will be allocated through funding rounds until 2024.

The other half will go toward trialling innovative renewable energy solutions on public housing and will be allocated through a separate process.

For more information visit www.mbie.govt.nz/renewableenergyfund

Check out some of the work Te Puni Kōkiri has done in the past to bring solar power to the homes of whānau around the country including in the Chatham Islands and Tauranga Moana.