Article – Imogen Brophy – Local Democracy ReporterTen Ngti Porou marae, alongside Manutk Marae and Pkwhai Marae (about 14km and 20km from Gisborne respectively), will receive solar panels. August 4, 2026GisborneAn expanded solar project in Tairāwhiti is powering up 12 more marae to improve their energy resilience. Ten Ngāti Porou marae, alongside Manutūkē Marae and Pākōwhai Marae (about 14km and 20km from Gisborne respectively), will receive solar panels. Pākōwhai Marae solar project lead Sonya Nepe said the marae was awaiting results of an initial site inspection and the community was looking forward to the next stage. A successful programme could encourage other organisations, such as businesses, the fire station and kura, to adopt solar power and create jobs within the surrounding Waituhi community, she said.