Funding & Finance
Making Community Power Possible
Funding and finance support the community to participate in local energy. The WE Share framework helps coordinate options so participation can become more accessible, fair, and sustainable — especially for households that would otherwise miss out.
The Essentials
Fair Access
Funding pathways are being developed to support a wide range of participants. Early models focus on homeowners and community facilities, with renter pathways under evaluation.
Local Benefit
Where possible, participation models are shaped so local energy benefits stay within the community and support long-term shared outcomes.
Transparent Costs
Clear information and open reporting help participants understand where costs go and how benefits return to the community.
Circular Investment
When possible, savings and locally generated value are reinvested into new systems, resilience hubs, and education — with transparent approaches that recognise the contribution of solar and battery hosts.
How It Works
WE Share blends funding from multiple sources to support project rollout:
- Community Contributions
WE Share has facilitated access to approved suppliers and installers at preferred community pricing (where available) to reduce upfront costs. A lease-to-own model is being developed but not yet active.
- Partner Alignment
Aligned partners — such as Ecotricity, Vector and other strategic partners — support safe integration and technical fit so community projects work within network and market requirements.
- Philanthropic & Public Funding
Support from trusts, councils, and climate-focused funds helps reduce barriers and broaden access.
- Commercial & Institutional Collaboration
Academic, financial, and industry partners contribute research, modelling, and support to develop viable system design and community-aligned funding models.
- Future Investment Pathways
Outcome-linked and community-share models are being assessed for future phases. These may include lease-to-own or cooperative participation options where appropriate.
- Information Access
WE Share connects participants with available green loans and sustainability finance options. WE Share provides information only — participants should seek independent financial advice.
In Practice
The Waiheke Blueprint shows how real projects — led by households, community sites, and aligned partners — are turning the framework into practical energy outcomes.
Projects such as Waiheke High School, Morra Hall, and the Waiheke Museum demonstrate how combined funding produces practical local outcomes — from lower energy costs to stronger resilience and education benefits.
The Road Ahead
The priority is Waiheke. The next steps focus on making participation easier for more local households and groups. Future phases will explore options for renters and non-property owners.
The Short Version
- Funding community power means keeping value local.
- Every dollar invested supports Waiheke households, community sites, and long-term shared benefit.
Disclaimer: Information only — not financial advice. Funding options depend on eligibility, supplier capacity, and partner approval.