A 10-year wait – Whakarongotai Marae receives solar to further community resilience

Marae are often among the first to respond during an emergency, operating as true pillars of support and places of community gathering. In the heart of Waikanae, Whakarongotai Marae is no exception. 

Lois Te Uruhina McNaught, Chairperson Marae Trustees, or more affectionately known as Aunty Lois, says she first tabled the idea of solar for the marae back in 2016. "I was looking for ways to reduce our power bills and save money, they can really skyrocket in a building of this size, particularly when it’s in use for gatherings.

“My son inspired me, he spoke about Māui and how he captured the sun. So, we started looking into what the Scandinavian countries were doing with solar to see what was possible. 

“That stayed in my ear for a long time, and I started thinking how we could ‘hook’ into the sun. But, back then, and because of the cost, I was called a dreamer, and nothing eventuated.” 

Nearly a decade later, that dream has become a reality, solar systems now sit installed on the wharekai, completed in June 2026. 

A district-wide programme to support community resilience 

Whakarongotai Marae’s solar system has been made possible through a partnership between Kāpiti Coast District Council, Wellington Region Emergency Management Office and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and their community resilience programme.  

Council’s Emergency Management Manager Roddy Hickling says the partnership includes working with local community organisations to install solar energy systems in eight key buildings across the district. 

Whakarongotai Marae, and the other seven community and council-owned buildings, were chosen as they’re recognised as important community facilities, with some also designated as Community Emergency Hubs.  

Roddy says they all play a vital role in supporting the community during a significant emergency, such as an earthquake, severe weather event, or tsunami. 

“It felt pretty good when we could tell Aunty Lois to cancel the solar quote booking, as the marae had been selected by EECA to be included in the community resilience programme. 

"It also felt good to know we were giving back to not just a building, but a space that so often looks after the community." 

Marae often play an important role within their communities, serving as places where people come together, support one another, and maintain important social and cultural connections. Their strong community networks, local knowledge, and ability to bring people together is vital during and following emergencies. 

Through this programme a solar system of 48 x 470w solar panels and a 54kWh battery energy storage system has been installed – providing access to power when the electricity grid is down, keeping people connected and informed throughout any emergency event. 

Council retains ownership of the solar system and is responsible for carrying out maintenance to ensure the system remains safe, reliable, and ready to support the community when needed. 

Business as usual 

The marae will continue to operate as they always have, for the people. 

Supporting school groups, corporate noho, elections, tangihanga, and celebrations, Whakarongotai Marae remains a place the community can gather in both times of need and times of joy.  

“Day-to-day, not much has changed, although it is still too early to see the full impact on our power bills,” says Aunty Lois.  

“What has changed is our confidence in knowing the marae can continue to operate during emergencies, even if the electricity grid is down.  

“Knowing we have a reliable source of power gives us peace of mind and strengthens our ability to support whānau and the wider community when it’s needed most. 

"That's what we're here for. A place for all people to come when they need to. No one is checking IDs at the gate – it's always open.  

“That's our manaaki, and our way of doing things, and we’re grateful for the Council’s manaaki, for making this happen.”  

Looking ahead 

The marae is exploring ways to maximise the benefits of the solar system, including reducing dependence on gas, increasing the use of renewable electricity across the site, and investigating how excess solar generation could be utilised, including potential export back to the electricity grid. 

Aunty Lois encourages other marae or community spaces to look into solar. 

“I would say, just do it. We can't always go back to fire now, can we? Why do you think Māui captured the sun? The reason then, as it is now, was for the benefit of the people. To create day and night to support the people. It’s always made sense to go back to utilising the environment, because that's how our people lived anyway.”