A Māori-owned block of land at Te Whaiti is taking another step towards a more sustainable and self-sufficient future, with a grant to upgrade its power supply and infrastructure.

Trust Horizon has provided $110,320 to the Whānau Enterprise Development Trust (WEDT) for electrical work across the Tawhitiwhiti development, including the project’s micro-greens processing facility and plant nursery.

The electrical upgrades form part of a larger programme of development on the highly productive 50-hectare block, owned by Matekuare Whānau Trust – helping provide future opportunities for whānau through climate-resilient food production, housing, and employment.

“This power supply is critical. We can’t move forward without it,” said WEDT trustee and manager, Tony Goodman.

The Tawhitiwhiti block was once home to a thriving community. Since 2014, the WEDT has been working to bring the land back under its development and create new opportunities for whānau, including establishing a papakāinga with around 40 homes. Planning is now at an advanced stage, with negotiations under way for the first four homes.

For the trustees, providing houses is only part of the equation.

“We’ve always said there’s no point plonking homes there – what will the people do?” said Goodman.

“That’s why we decided to progress initiatives that will give whānau members who call the property home the ability to make a living there.”

The trustees have also invested in fencing, water infrastructure, wetlands and other site improvements, while establishing facilities to support agricultural production.

The project has also received funding from other organisations, including the Ministry for Primary Industries and BayTrust.

“It’s taken us 10 years to get to this point, and the project is progressing well,” said Goodman.