Community powers a brighter future for Ōtorohanga Kiwi House

2 April 2026

The Ōtorohanga Kiwi House and The Lines Company (TLC) are thanking the local community for supporting Power it Forward: Kiwi House Edition — a community‑backed solar project supporting conservation, sustainability and energy wellbeing.

Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, families and individuals, the project reached its funding goal, enabling solar panels to be installed at the Kiwi House. The system will help power day‑to‑day operations and conservation work, while any excess energy generated will be gifted back through TLC’s network to whānau who need support with their power bills.

Power it Forward: Kiwi House Edition reflects a shared commitment to caring for people, place and the planet. TLC funded the solar hardware, the Kiwi House provided the roof, and the community made the project possible by sponsoring the installation of panels.

Kyle Barnes, General Manager Community and Innovation at The Lines Company, said the project showcased the strength of community partnerships.

“This initiative is a genuine example of coming together for a shared kaupapa,” said Barnes. “It’s about conservation, energy efficiency and supporting people who are doing it tough. We’re incredibly proud of the role our community has played in making this happen.”

Ōtorohanga Kiwi House Board Chair Kim Ingham said the support would have a lasting impact.

“This project helps future‑proof the Kiwi House and supports our aspiration to become a beacon of sustainability,” he said. “It strengthens our ability to focus on conservation and education, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who contributed — this is a true community achievement”.

Installation of the solar panels is scheduled to begin on Monday 30 March, marking the next step in bringing the project to life.

The Ōtorohanga Kiwi House and The Lines Company would like to sincerely thank the following sponsors for their support of Power it Forward: Kiwi House Edition:

Sponsors and supporters include:
Andrew Peckham, East & Co, Ann and Ross Barnes, Atlas Copco Rental, Bailey Ingham Limited, Beau Skin Clinic, Ben Fox, Betty Blair, Bill and Irene Millar, Brian and Andrea Hanna, Busck Prestressed Concrete Ltd (sponsor of five panels), Cave World Barnes, Connell Contractors, Counties Energy Limited (sponsor of five panels), Danny and Chris Hickman, Down to Earth – Eco Cave Tours Waitomo, Duncan Loney and Family, Eight73 Consulting Ltd, Empowered Technical Services, Evan and Elisabeth Cowan, Fabrie Family, Fleetwise, Fraser Jonker, Generator Rental Services Auckland, Generator Rental Services Hastings, Generator Rental Services Tauranga, Hackett Family, HerdHomes NZ Ltd, I and J Russell, In memory of Nancy Jensen – the Ash Family, John Robertson, Julian Phillips, Karam & John Haddad Menswear, Karen Barrett, Kim and Janette Osborne, Kiwitown Electrical Ltd, Legacy Fire NZ, Linda, Ivan and Laura Jones, Lycan and Sylva, Manga Roach Contracting, Margaret and Paula Eveleigh, McKenzie Drainage and Earthworks Ltd, Mercer Family, Mike Fox, MITA Consulting Ltd, Monique Roberts (Ōtorohanga), Murray and Heather Loewenthal, Noel and Marain Hurley, O Cafe, Ōtorohanga Collision & Repairs, Ōtorohanga Kiwi Holiday Park, Ōtorohanga Transport Limited (sponsor of fifteen panels), Paper Plus Ōtorohanga, Pact Steel Limited, Prescott Toyota, Rahim Projects Limited, R and C Short, Robert and Kim Ingham, Robinson’s Water Services Ltd, Safeworx, Sophie Coker, The Roger Roberts Family Trust, and Waitomo Adventures – Nick and Carole Andreef.

Power it Forward: Kiwi House Edition is powered by The Lines Company and the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House.