Solar energy to boost Kāpiti Coast community resilience

Kāpiti Coast District Council is strengthening community resilience by installing solar panel and battery systems across eight community buildings, in partnership with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO).

The initiative is designed to strengthen community resilience by providing key community buildings with an independent power source during outages caused by severe weather, earthquakes or other emergencies. 

Deputy Mayor Martin Halliday says investing in resilient local infrastructure is prudent in strengthening Kāpiti Coast’s future resilience.

"Recent events like Cyclone Gabrielle and the Government Inquiry into the North Island severe weather events have reinforced the importance of local places where communities can gather, access information, and support one another during emergencies,” says Deputy Mayor Martin Halliday.

“By investing in solar and battery systems across key community buildings, we’re helping ensure our communities have warm, dry places to gather, and support one another when it matters the most.

“With access to essential power for items such as phones and other critical devices, our community will also be able to stay connected during prolonged power outages.

“This project complements the recent installation of seven community emergency water tanks we completed last year.

“When Kāpiti needs it most, our community emergency hubs will be ready.”

EECA is co-funding up to 75 percent of the costs, with Council contributing the remaining 25 percent.

Council will retain ownership of the systems and be responsible for ongoing maintenance to ensure the systems remain safe, reliable, and ready to support the community when needed.

Beyond emergency use, Council, school and iwi building owners will benefit from reduced electricity costs and a lower carbon footprint through the day-to-day generation of solar energy.

These eight buildings were selected based on the needs of their surrounding communities and because some are designated as Community Emergency Hubs. They all play a vital role in supporting residents during response and recovery. The sites are:

• Paraparaumu Memorial Hall
• Waikanae Community Centre
• Whakarongotai Marae
• Raukawa Marae
• Te Horo Hall
• Paraparaumu College Sports Hall
• Raumati South School
• Paekākāriki School 

Kāpiti Coast District Council Emergency Management Manager and Project Lead Roddy Hickling says the installations are on track to be completed by July 2026, weather permitting.

"Installation of the first solar system has already been completed at Paraparaumu Memorial Hall, with the Waikanae Community Centre scheduled for completion this week,” says Mr Hickling.

“Installation at schools and kura will be carried out during the July school holidays to minimise disruption.

"We're also pleased that this work is being delivered by StarDelta, a local provider. That means local expertise, local investment, and local capability, all while strengthening the resilience of our own communities."