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Where we've come from

Back in 2010 a vision emerged:

Ōtaki would become famous for its small scale, sustainable technologies. 

​

Projects brainstorming began at the Ōtaki Clean Technology Centre.

Generating it, transforming it, saving it or sharing it well; ‘energy’ was their theme.​

As ideas became plans, our town was invited to name the emerging collective. 'Energise Ōtaki’ described their shared mission.

 

And so it goes today. ​​​The collective is now a charitable trust.

Along with our project work, Energise Ōtaki continues to advocate and educate for better energy living (and sparky ideas). 

Awards

2022

2021

  • Best Community Energy Project goes to our solar farm project partner Infratec, SEANZ Fronius New Zealand Sustainable Energy Industry Awards

  • Finalist, Community Initiative of the Year, New Zealand Energy Excellence Awards 

2014

  • Project Innovation Award, Conservation Innovation Awards, WWF New Zealand

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2022_Wellington Airport Regional Communi

Timeline
Rārangi wā

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2010

2011-12

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

  • Ideas to make a ‘sustainable energy town’ and smart tech’ centre sparked via the Greater Ōtaki project, with Kāpiti Coast District Council support.

  • Interested parties gather 

  • Energise Ōtaki named by community.

  • Green Chip report reveals Ōtaki is only 37% efficient in turning energy into useful power or heat!

  • Energy audit of Ōtaki College 

  • Emulsions fuel trials with Ōtaki College Year 12 students. 

  • Solar energy teaching modules designed with Ōtaki College. Students learn to track, harness and store solar energy with 'Sunrayker' models (trapping up to 395°C)

  • First funding received via WWF New Zealand Innovation Award  

  • Alternative fuel programme (Year 12 Chemistry curriculum) developed with Ōtaki College.

  • Sunrayker solar system funded for Ōtaki College 

  • 10.4kW solar system set up at Ōtaki College, facilitated along with XŌtaki College Foundation Trust. Revenue funds student scholarships 

  • Surveys/ assessments of energy demands and options for local renewable energy supplies for all shops/buildings on Ōtaki's main commercial streets.

  • Energise Ōtaki Inc. formed

  • Curtain Bank launched (now part of Warm Up Ōtaki)

  • Energise Ōtaki interns provide energy advice to Ōtaki businesses

  • Energise Ōtaki and Ōtaki College develop:

  1. MBIE-funded food, energy and horticulture 'Curious Minds' projects, including setting up Community Garden

  2. Sustainability-focused curriculum content for Years 7+8

  3. Coppicing Woodlot of 1200 willow and poplar trees to teach students about wood as energy source

  4. Energy cubes as teaching tools.

  • Curious Minds further developed with Massey University and Te Wānanga O Raukawa to include matauranga Māori.  Topics include: 'Energy and building', 'Traditional music and the science of sound', 'Transport' and 'Natural environment'.  Activities include energy cubes and designing solar karts. 

  •  Student-designed solar powered karts win multiple awards at EVolocity competition (ongoing)

  • Ōtaki Bike Space launched: College students taught how to repair bikes

  • Kāpiti's first EV charging station set up at New World Ōtaki, facilitated by Energise Ōtaki.

  • Ōtaki College projects become themed modules: Climate change; Water; Food; Conservation in New Zealand; Energy and humans. 

  • Second 10.4W solar system supported by Energise Ōtaki installed at Ōtaki College. Revenue funds student scholarships

  • Energise Ōtaki facilitates adoption of retired solar panels to heat College swimming pool 

  • First paid contractor joins

  • First Ōtaki Bike Space bike giveaway.

  • ​Ōtaki Repair Café launched

  • 'Power to the People' converted bike (charges devices when pedalled) installed at Ōtaki Kindergarton, with support of Ōtaki MenzShed

  • Energise ​Ōtaki office opened at 7 Main Street.

  • Rau Kūmara Solar Farm established, powering Ōtaki's wastewater treatment plant.  Revenue to be used for energy community projects

  • Further solar installation at Ōtaki College, powering the school.  Revenue to be used for energy community projects.

  • ​Energise Ōtaki Inc. becomes Energise Ōtaki Charitable Trust 

  • Ōtaki Energy Pulse (Stage One) launched; designing system for displaying Energise Ōtaki's clean energy production.

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