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The Problem
Rangitahi and Tipapa Marae play a critical role within the Murupara community as:
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Emergency evacuation centres
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Civil Defence support hubs
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Cultural and community anchors
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Whānau support facilities
Despite their importance, both marae—like many rural facilities—face increasing vulnerability due to:
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Power outages and grid instability, limiting the ability to operate during emergencies
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Water supply disruptions, affecting sanitation, food preparation, and occupancy capacity
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Infrastructure limitations, including reliance on single-source utilities
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Climate-related weather events, increasing both frequency and severity of disruptions
These challenges significantly impact the marae’s ability to function as reliable emergency centres during critical events, particularly in the early response phase where external support may be delayed.
Without resilient infrastructure, there is a risk of:
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Reduced emergency response capability
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Inability to support extended community occupancy
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Increased operational and safety risks
The Solution
The Ngāti Manawa Marae Community Resilience Programme delivers a fully integrated renewable energy and water infrastructure system across Rangitahi and Tipapa Marae, designed to enable independent operation during outages and emergencies.
Water System
A resilient water supply system has been implemented to ensure continuity of potable water during supply disruptions:
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Water Storage Tanks
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High-capacity tanks (32,000 -64,000L)
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Configured for redundancy and emergency demand
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Pump System
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Variable speed pressure pumps ( DAB E.sy twin and E.sy triple pump sets)
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Constant pressure delivery
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Duty/assist or duty/standby operation
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Filtration & Treatment
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Multi-stage filtration:
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Sediment pre-filtration (~20 micron)
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Fine filtration (~1–5 micron)
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High-flow UV disinfection
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This system ensures safe, reliable water supply, even during extended outages or contamination risks.
Energy System - Installed by Dixon Electrical
A hybrid renewable energy system has been installed, consisting of:
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Solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays
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Grid-connected systems designed for daytime load supply and battery charging
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Compliant with AS/NZS 5033 and AS/NZS 4777
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Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
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Lithium-ion battery systems sized for critical load support
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Automatic transition during grid outages
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Load shifting and backup capability
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Generator Backup Integration
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Standby generator system with automatic or inverter-controlled operation
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Sized to support critical or full site load during extended outages
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Grid Export Capability
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Bi-directional metering enabling export of surplus solar energy
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These components are integrated via a hybrid inverter and control system, allowing seamless transition between grid, battery, solar, and generator operation.
The Results
The completed system has transformed Rangitahi and Tipapa Marae into resilient, self-sufficient community hubs, capable of maintaining operations during emergencies.
Project Delivery
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The project was successfully completed within the agreed timeframe, ensuring readiness for upcoming seasonal and emergency risk periods
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Delivery was achieved within the allocated budget, demonstrating effective project planning, procurement, and cost control
Coordination between trades and stakeholders ensured a smooth and efficient installation process with minimal disruption to marae operations
Operational Outcomes
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Energy resilience:
Continuous power supply during outages through solar, battery, and generator integration -
Water security:
Reliable access to stored and treated water during supply disruptions -
Seamless system performance:
Automatic transitions between energy sources with no manual intervention required
Emergency Preparedness
The marae can now:
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Operate independently of external utilities
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Support extended occupancy during emergency events
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Maintain essential services including:
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Lighting
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Food preparation
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Sanitation
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Communications
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This is particularly critical during the initial response period, where external assistance may not yet be available.
Community Impact
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Improved safety and wellbeing for the Murupara community
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Increased confidence in local emergency response capability
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Reduced operational risk for marae facilities
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Lower long-term energy costs through renewable generation
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Strengthened cultural resilience by supporting marae as enduring community centres
Project Leadership & Acknowledgement
This project was guided and supported by:
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Tania Edwards – Pou Manawa and Pou Whanaketanga o te Iwi – Kaiwhakahaere, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa
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Katrina Martin – Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa, Pou Whanaketanga o te Iwi, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa
Reflecting on the delivery of the project, Tania Edwards acknowledged the contribution of delivery partners:
“I would like to thank you both, this is the best project delivery I have worked on with contract suppliers.”
Katrina Martin also reflected on the delivery:
“Your commitment and dedication over the past months have been greatly appreciated. The value and expertise you brought to this kaupapa have made a meaningful difference for Ngāti Manawa, and your contributions will have a lasting impact on the community.”
She further noted:
“On behalf of the Rūnanga, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for the outstanding work you both undertook at Rangitahi and Tipapa Marae. The resilience upgrades and systems you have implemented are of immense value and will have a lasting positive impact on the Marae and the wider community.”
Conclusion
The Ngāti Manawa Marae Community Resilience Project demonstrates how integrated renewable energy and water infrastructure can significantly enhance the capability of marae to serve their communities during times of need.
Importantly, the project was delivered on time and within budget, reinforcing confidence in both the delivery approach and the long-term viability of similar resilience initiatives.
By addressing critical vulnerabilities and enabling self-sufficiency, this project provides a scalable model for resilience across rural and remote communities throughout Aotearoa.