The Taranaki community turned out in force for the popular Electrify My Whare and Electrify My Farm events held at the Novotel New Plymouth on Monday 10th November. These events were part of the Taranaki Sustainable Trails: Backyards, Builds & Farms series.

Hosted by Rewiring Aotearoa’s Mike Casey, these sessions brought together national and local experts to explore how electrification, from homes to farms, can cut costs, reduce emissions, and future-proof communities.

Electrify My Farm drew farmers, business owners and sustainability advocates keen to understand how renewable energy and on-farm electrification can reduce operational costs while generating new income streams.

“This event was a unique opportunity for Taranaki to engage directly with leading voices in energy transition,”said Cath Stabb, co-coordinator of Sustainable Trails. “It’s inspiring to see our region’s farmers and residents leading the shift toward more resilient, low-emission systems.”

The companion event, Electrify My Whare, was sold-out, and focused on household energy, with Mike Casey joined by speakers from Community Energy Taranaki, Ara Ake, and New Plymouth District Council Sustainability Advisor Sam Rowlands.

Together they unpacked practical pathways for electrifying homes, improving insulation, adding solar and batteries, and ensuring equitable access to energy solutions for all New Zealanders.

A lively panel discussion addressed key questions from attendees, including safety, affordability, and how policy can keep pace with technology. Speakers emphasised that battery fires are extremely rare in home systems, and that new technology like “islanding” allows households to remain powered even during grid outages.

Mike Casey shared that the real opportunity lies in bringing down power costs, enabling energy independence, and supporting communities through a fair and inclusive energy transition.

“The technology is ready — and by acting now, we can save money, cut emissions and make our energy systems more resilient,” said Casey. “It’s not just about reducing bills; it’s about energy sovereignty and a fairer future for everyone.”

Both Electrify events were hosted by Sustainable Taranaki as part of the Sustainable Trails series, with support from local partners and sponsors. Tickets included light lunch or nibbles and a chance to network with peers and experts in the energy transition space.

The Electrify My Whare event sold out in advance, reflecting growing community interest in practical, locally relevant climate action. The Taranaki Sustainable Builds & Farms Trails finishes this Sunday 16 November and there are still tickets available for the following events: 

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Saturday 15 November

• Regenerative Beef Farming, Nine Streams Farm (Norfolk) 
• Reclaimed Renovation, Fenton St Collective (Stratford)
• Ecosystem Restoration, Fenton St Collective (Stratford)
• Organic Orchard and Hemp House, Kahu Glen (Bell Block) 

Sunday 16 November

• Lifestyle Block Innovation, Silk Farm (Kaitake)
• Reclaimed Renovation, Fenton St Collective (Stratford)
• Architect’s Talk, Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga in (Hawera)
• Ecosystem Restoration, Fenton St Collective (Stratford)

For tickets, or more information on these upcoming events as part of Sustainable Farms and Builds visit: www.sustainablebackyards.org.nz

Ngā mihi to all hosts, sponsors and supporters who make the Sustainable Builds & Farms Trails possible.‍

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