In a move set to secure community resilience for a generation, the Pirirākau Tribal Authority has signed a historic relationship agreement with Contact Energy, locking in free electricity for four local marae for the next 35 years.
The agreement, formally acknowledged in Tauranga today by Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge and Pirirākau Tribal Authority Chairman Jason Ake, represents far more than a utility arrangement. It establishes an enduring partnership centered on the health of the Wairoa Awa and reinforces Pirirākau’s foundational role as kaitiaki.
The core of the deal guarantees that the four Pirirākau marae – Tutereinga, Paparoa, Poutūterangi, and Tawhitinui – will be powered at no cost for three and a half decades.
For Pirirākau Kaihautū Heta Gardiner, the impact of the agreement is immediate and profound. He emphasised that the marae are more than cultural centres; they are vital pieces of infrastructure for the community, especially during the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
“Our marae not only provide a space to maintain our cultural practices, but also act as a safe haven in times of need for our community,” Gardiner said. “The recent weather events are just one example of marae being ready to step up and look after our community, should our whānau need support.”
Gardiner noted that by eliminating a major overhead cost for more than three decades, the agreement provides critical financial relief during a time when the cost of living is placing immense pressure on whānau.
Beyond the immediate financial benefits, the agreement lays the groundwork for a substantive, long-term relationship between the iwi and the energy provider. The pact expands Pirirākau’s influence and involvement across several key areas, including:
- Environmental Stewardship: Increased roles in environmental planning and monitoring of the Wairoa Awa.
- Ecological Health: Direct collaboration on fish passage projects.
- Infrastructure Access: Formalised access to the energy scheme.
- Community Support: Strategic commitments to broader whānau and taiao aspirations.
This partnership marks a significant shift in corporate-iwi relations, prioritising long-term community autonomy and environmental protection over short-term gains. By securing energy independence for their marae, Pirirākau has ensured that these essential hubs will remain empowered to serve their people for generations to come.