Kia ora e te whānau,As we wrap up another huge year, we’re taking a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate all the connections, milestones and lessons that have shaped our journey. From starting new installations to solar deepening our partnerships, to showing up at the table with national leaders in Māori energy, this last quarter has been full of momentum and grounding.

We’re incredibly grateful for everyone who has walked alongside us this year. Your support and belief in this kaupapa (project) continue to guide and uplift our mahi (work). Here are some highlights as we head into the summer break.
 

 Celebrating Huia
 

We want to take a moment to celebrate Huia, who has decided to step back from Kia Kotahi Ako to take some well-earned time to restore and enjoy her māra (garden), whānau (family), and friends.

Huia has poured her heart and energy into everything we do, and her passion for empowering rangatahi (youth), whānau (family) and communities has left an indelible mark on our kaupapa (programme). While she’s taking a pause, she will continue to be a champion of Kia Kotahi Ako, supporting and celebrating the great legacy work we’ve done and continue to grow.

Nō reira, Ngā mihi nunui ki a koe, Huia. Thank you for your aroha (love), dedication, and unwavering belief in our mahi. We look forward to seeing how this next chapter goes for you… 

 Te Ara Pūngao

We’re excited to be releasing our research report Te Ara Pūgao, which explores how best to engage rangatahi Māori in the alternative energy sector. The report highlights the importance of cultural relevance, visible pathways, and hands-on experiences, showing that when rangatahi can see themselves reflected in learning, and when they can engage directly with technology and real-world projects, their confidence and aspirations grow.

This research provides valuable insights for educators, whānau, community partners, and industry, helping guide how we design programmes, support career pathways, and strengthen rangatahi engagement in sustainable energy futures. With the right support, this work lays a strong foundation to expand opportunities, connect rangatahi into meaningful careers, and ensure that Māori voices and leadership remain central in shaping Aotearoa’s energy transition. Get in touch if you want to be involved in the next phase as we implement its recommendations.

Click this link to read the report: https://www.kiakotahi.org/korero-blogs/te-ara-pngao

 A hui to close out the year
In November, our team and board came together kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) for our final hui (gathering) of 2025. It was a meaningful chance to reflect on the year that’s been, reset our bearings, and look ahead to 2026 with clarity and purpose. From updates across our programmes to kōrero (discussions) on future opportunities, strategy and impact, the hui reaffirmed the strength of our collective vision and the importance of staying grounded in our values as we grow

 Solar Installation Underway in Taranaki
A major milestone for our whānau, the solar installation at our partner kura (school), Te Pi’ipi’inga Kākano Mai i Rangiātea, is now officially underway and will be completed in the summer holidays. Delivered by our partners at Tū Mai Rā, this project is a huge step in our long-term vision of empowering kura and communities to lead their own sustainable energy futures.

This installation sits alongside the Solar Suitcase programme and our community energy workshops scheduled for 2026. Massive mihi (thanks) to everyone who has played a part in bringing this kaupapa to life.

Read more: https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/partner/kia-kotahi-ako-trust

We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Te Heru Māpara, a Te Kāhui Maru-owned education provider. Together, we’ve been showcasing the Solar Suitcase programme at events like National Maori Energy Community Day, giving whānau hands-on experience with solar technology and sparking conversations about energy literacy, sustainability, and rangatahi-led innovation. This partnership strengthens our kaupapa and expands the reach of our mahi in communities across Taranaki and beyond. 

New Kura Joining
We were grateful to spend time in Tolaga Bay this week alongside Nikora and Thabiso. We delivered another successful teacher training session with kaiako (teachers) from Tolaga Bay Area School as part of our Solar Suitcase kaupapa, this will sit alongside their solar installation at the kura. It was an engaging day of shared learning and kōrero, strengthening kaiako (teacher) confidence to use the Solar Suitcase as a hands-on tool for teaching renewable energy in ways that align with local context and aspirations.

We're looking forward to see where they take this kaupapa in 2026!!

 

In November, Huia and Te Waiora represented Kia Kotahi Ako at the National Māori Energy Summit hosted by Ngā Iwi o Taranaki where iwi (tribe), hapū (communities), Māori organisations, and industry leaders gathered to kōrero about the future of energy in Aotearoa.

The summit highlighted the importance of Māori-led energy projects and reinforced the need for solutions that reflect local aspirations, not just national systems. It was powerful to see the alignment between our kaupapa and wider movements across the motu (nation), and we look forward to carrying these learnings into our 2026 work programme.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to support the next steps that came out of the summit. Over the coming months, the National Iwi Chairs Forum will focus on developing and delivering these three outcomes:

 
 Te Tau Hou - Looking Ahead

As we move into the summer break, we’re taking time to rest and recharge before a big year ahead. 2026 is shaping up to be full of opportunity: rolling out our solar education programme with new kura in new regions, strengthening our community partnerships, continuing work on workforce development, and continuing to uplift rangatahi as drivers of innovation and environmental action.

If you’re keen to jump on the waka (canoe) with us and back our rangatahi,  you can donate here and we’d love to connect.