Funding secured to boost community resilience across Manawatū District
Manawatū District Council has secured $462,000 in government funding to install solar and battery systems at community facilities across the district, helping ensure key sites can continue operating during civil defence emergencies.
The project is part of the national Community Resilience Programme, administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
Solar panels and battery systems will be installed at selected sites across the Manawatū District. These facilities act as Civil Defence Centres (CDCs), providing safe and functional places for the community to people to gather during an evacuation.
Hannah Tokona, Emergency Management Officer says the funding will strengthen the district’s ability to respond to future severe weather events.
“This is a significant investment in the resilience of the Manawatū District. When a natural disaster strikes, communities need places they can rely on. The awarded sites are places people already turn to in emergencies, and this investment will ensure they can remain operational and even when the electricity network is disrupted.”
The Manawatū District project has a total value of approximately $580,000 (plus GST), with additional non-rates co-funding being secured locally.
Sites were assessed against criteria set by EECA. The approved sites for the project include:
- Manfeild Park (Civil Defence Centre)
- Highland Home Christian Camp (Civil Defence Centre)
- Te Kawau Memorial Community Centre (Civil Defence Centre)
- Tangimoana School
- Aorangi Marae
- Parewahawaha Marae
- Taumata o te Rā Marae
- Te Hiiri Marae
- Te Tikanga Marae
- Te Rangimarie Marae
Some of these locations already have solar panels installed and will receive battery storage systems as part of the project.
Installations will be delivered through an open procurement process, with installers invited to tender for the design, supply and installation of the systems across approved sites. Work will begin following procurement and final approval of installer quotes by EECA.
In addition to improving emergency preparedness, the project will also increase renewable energy generation across the district and reduce reliance on grid electricity during outages.