Hiringa: Aligned intent leads to new partnership

The success of the Waipipi windfarm has prompted a second foray into the renewable energy sector by Parininihi ki Waitōtara.

The Incorporation has formed a partnership with Hiringa Energy for the construction of four wind turbines on PKW farmland close to the proposed green hydrogen plant on Palmer Road, Kapuni.

The electricity generated by the turbines will power the new hydrogen plant with any excess used for the adjacent Ballance Agri-Nutrients Kapuni urea plant.

“Wind turbines are a compelling long-term proposition for an alternative use of PKW whenua as they provide a complementary revenue stream to existing agribusiness activity,” says Joe Hanita, Te Rau Māhorahora / Chief Financial Officer. “Collaborating with Hiringa Energy also delivers opportunities for our whānau and hapū in the form of capability development, jobs, access to new technology and environmental and cultural expression.”

Hiringa Energy is the first company in New Zealand dedicated to the supply of green hydrogen, and providing hydrogen solutions for industry, the public sector, and transport operators. They are establishing a nation-wide refuelling network in New Zealand, the first in the world, to provide zero-emission hydrogen capability for the New Zealand commercial and heavy transport market.

“PKW has a strong, shared kaupapa with Hiringa, with core values of innovation and environmental sustainability, to drive the Just Transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy in a way that supports all businesses and communities,” says Joe.

Partnering with Hiringa Energy takes on added significance when a Te Pūia Tāpapa (where PKW is a limited partner) recent investment in the TR Group, a business specialising in the rental, lease, and maintenance of heavy commercial vehicles is taken into consideration.

“Every potential partnership and/or investment opportunity is carefully assessed to ensure that we make decisions based on our strategic plan and Te Ara Putanga – our outcomes pathway. To be successful, joined-up thinking is key and this is a great example of that in practice,” adds Joe.

Four turbines are to be erected on Farm 15, on Kōkiri Road, where their footprint will be minimal after the construction phase has been completed. It is expected that the turbines will be in place within the next 12-18 months.

Cathy Clennett, Executive Director and co-founder of Hiringa Energy, says that the choice to partner with PKW went beyond just geographical convenience.

“It is important to us that our business activities contribute to building a sustainable community and working to build relationships with like-minded partners is an essential part of that,” she says. “The values we share with PKW are strongly aligned and we are enjoying working with them.”