powered by clean energy
Join the Electrify Waiheke community and help shape a resilient, low-emissions future
Explore tools and resources to start your electrification journey, connect with local expertise, and learn from others already making the shift toward a resilient, low-emissions Waiheke.
Also find out about Electrify Waiheke – the community-led movement we’re proud to be part of.
Our solar journey
How did it started – 2016
In 2016, our solar journey began with a spark. Solène, a French electrical engineering intern, analysed the Sustainability Centre’s energy use and gave us a clear call to action: go solar.
At WRT, we turned that spark into something bigger. Our Chair’s birthday became a vibrant, global fundraising celebration filled with music, great kai, and community spirit. Together with our partners at Clean Stream Waiheke Ltd, we raised $5,000 in one night, matched to $10,000, bringing our first solar system to life.
From there, our ambition grew. We saw the opportunity to create not just a low-emissions building, but a place of strength – a safe, reliable hub for our community in the face of climate impacts.
Powering up – 2025/2026
From there, our ambition grew. We sought the opportunity to create not just a low-emissions building, but a place of strength, which is a safe, reliable hub for our community in the face of climate impacts.
With the support of Auckland Council, Fisher & Paykel, Evernex, Solar Island, and Sea Electrical, we expanded to a full solar and battery system and now generate more power than we use and feed energy back into the grid
What’s next?
This is just a beginning
We’re exploring the potential for community-scale microgrids – sharing locally generated energy and building a more resilient, connected energy future for Waiheke.
From our roof to yours
If the Sustainability Centre can become a beacon for renewable energy on Waiheke, imagine what’s possible across our whole motu. The same opportunity is sitting right on your rooftop, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’ve pulled together the tools, resources, and local expertise to help you take your own next step toward solar.
Tools and resources
Find out your rooftop solar potential
See the solar potential for your rooftop, plus track Waiheke’s electrification progress and goals.
What is Electrify Waiheke?
Electrify Waiheke, united in climate action and guided by kaitiakitanga, acts to urgently accelerate Waiheke’s transition to clean renewable energy, sustainable transport, energy efficiency; and resilient, equitable, low-emissions living.
Electrify Waiheke is a community-led movement, supported by Rewiring Aotearoa, helping our island move away from fossil fuels and towards clean, affordable, renewable energy. Building on the Waiheke Local Climate Action Plan, we bring together residents, businesses, community groups and technical experts to make electrification practical, achievable and fair – for homes, transport, and community facilities.
Our refreshed vision and mission reflect where we are now and where we’re heading next: acting with urgency, centring equity, and working in ways that respect and strengthen the wellbeing of tangata | people and te Taiao | our natural environment.
Get in touch
If you’re ready to install solar, electrify your home or business, switch to electric transport, or simply want to learn more, Electrify Waiheke can support you.
Email [email protected] for more information and support.
WRT’s solar project is funded and sponsored by
In partnership with
Supported by
