The Communities Becoming Energy Sovereign

On our quest for energy sovereignty we've met many likeminded people. Hikurangi Enterprises Ltd (HEL) is a Māori-owned charitable company and our demonstration partner for the A35 Engine. HEL supports community-led economic development in the Greater Waiapu Valley in Te Tai Rāwhiti (The East Coast Region) of New Zealand. Many of these communities are directly exposed to severe weather events yet rely on fragile roading and grid infrastructure for their basic fuel and electricity needs.

When Cyclones’ Gabriel and Hale struck the region in 2023, road closures and power outages lasted several weeks. As a consequence, communities had limited access to electricity, diesel and a robust supply of food and other necessities. HEL is actively developing housing and industry solutions that embed resilience into their communities. They see Mackwell as potentially revolutionary technology which can enable communities to build energy sovereignty.

HEL and Mackwell have a shared intention to:
1. Demonstrate advanced steam technology within the Greater Waiapu Valley.
2. Develop biomass-based circular economic systems for Waiapu Valley communities.
3. Gather data to measure the efficacy of advanced steam technology interventions.
4. Share learnings, outcomes and technology with other communities.

HEL supports innovation that aligns with their core values and enhances community-led development in the Greater Waiapu Valley. Mackwell will benefit from the opportunity to demonstrate the efficacy of its technology with a nationally recognised and trusted partner. Furthermore, the small communities of the Greater Waiapu Valley facing the energy and climate crisis head-on will benefit from accessing viable and resilient technological innovation for a future without fossil fuels. As such, we see our future collaboration as a positive, proactive and natural progression for the journey of both organisations.

Special thanks to Alison Newell, Peter Nutall, Rick & Liz Thorpe for leading the way and establishing our connection to the Hikurangi Enterprises Team.

Further thanks to EJ Ehau and the wider Hikurangi Enterpises Kaimahi, Fiona Apanui-Kupenga, the 47 Moana Rd Whānau, Wainui Beach Community and the people of Te Tai Rāwhiti.


Footage Credits:
Fiona Apanui-Kupenga & Te Amokura Productions
Waka Kotahi
NZ Herald
Olie Le-Noel
NIWA
Earth.Nullschool.Net


Music Credits:
Oak Studios - Unwound
Dyalla - Patience
Dyalla - Wellington Coffee Shop
Big Joe Drummer - Hip Hop Kit


This project was made with Sony Camera Equipment and the support of Sony NZ.

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