Aside from the efficiency of transforming energy from the sun and using it to power the neighbouring wastewater treatment plant - and likewise, Ōtaki College with their on site solar panels - aside from that, the best part about our Power Up Ōtaki solar arrays is the money they generate for other great projects and ideas.
Energise Ōtaki shares this money every year through the Whakahiko Ōtaki–Energise Ōtaki Fund.
This year, we are very glad to be able to be contribute to these inspired projects.
Ōtaki Crop Swap just turned one. The monthly event where everyone gives to get - no money involved - is a hub for sharing gardening tips too. Everyone's welcome: "Bring what you have, take what you need".
Sharing locally grown kai boosts personal energy and community resilience, and reduces the need to truck in produce grown elsewhere. Which means less transport energy is spent, and fewer emissions expelled.
Recognising the need for more home-grown, belly-filling veggies, the visionaries at Ahoaho Adventures and Crooked Vege Ōtaki are piloting a "Carb’ Club”; a series of workshops on growing root vegetables at home.
At Te Kura ā Iwi o Whakatupuranga Rua Mano, tauira/students are learning to make tiny homes with recovered materials and energy-efficient designs.
When the six Year 13 students leave kura, each will take a tiny home with them.
It's such a good idea they're making a film about it too.
Why make a film? So others can be likewise inspired. This project's got wheels.
About which - check out Te Mauri Hā, the mobile café also built at Kura, now parked up at Ōtaki Beach carpark. It's koha for kai in support of the tiny homes project, and in support of good community kōrero/ talk, too. A visit will send you back into the day with great energy.
Ōtaki Primary School is introducing kura taiao/ outdoor learning sessions. Among many benefits, these will help make students aware of how energy can be sourced, conserved and recovered. Lucky tamariki/ kids.
We wish all these recipients well and look forward to sharing news of their successes.
The 'sun fund' returns around Matariki 2025.
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