Horeke community set for reliable electricity under new solar project

A new solar project is set to provide energy security to a small, predominantly Maori community at Horeke. Photo / 123RF

Power cuts in Horeke may soon be a thing of the past, with a new solar project set to bring reliable electricity to the remote Hokianga community.

The $1.6 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will provide energy security to the small community at Horeke, said Regional Development Minister Shane Jones.

“A new solar project will provide energy security to a small, predominantly Māori community at Horeke. The system will deliver power to about 100 existing households and five new homes, as well as to five marae and one school.

“Up until now, the Horeke community has been prone to power outages and disruptions to water supply caused by a lack of power. They have also had to rely on diesel and gas for some of their energy needs, rather than have the ease of ready electricity.”

Just last week, Top Energy announced a planned outage for Horeke and surrounding areas that will happen next Thursday, between 9.30am and 1pm.

“Securing their electricity supply will allow the community to unlock opportunities in eco and cultural tourism in the Hokianga, providing employment and powering economic growth,” Jones said.

The grant will be made to a Māori trust, Utakura 7 Incorporation, which governs land in the Utakura Valley north of Ōkaihau and is providing co-funding.

The trust is developing community initiatives that promote educational achievement and build an economic base for the valley. Construction of the solar system will begin in the coming months, including necessary network upgrades.

“The power infrastructure upgrade will support essential services, particularly during extreme weather events.

“The Regional Infrastructure Fund is contributing to energy security where there are wider benefits for communities that cannot gain investment from other sources.”