Energise Ōtaki was honoured to host Manaaki New Zealand scholars last week.
The scholars - including academics, public servants and engineers - came from Laos, Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam to Wellington's Victoria University.
And then they came to Ōtaki.
Chair Leigh Ramsey introduced Energise Ōtaki's projects, then a tour of Rau Kūmara solar farm sparked good talk on renewable energy generation and community involvement, particularly in rural areas.
Working nationally in ministries including Energy, Research and Innovation, Urban Planning and Construction, Hydro-Meteorology and Climate Change, Natural Resources and Environment, we were delighted that the scholars found the visit educational. "Enlightening" even - seems appropriate for a visit about harnessing sun energy. Same for us!
We're glad to see that the roopu /group then checked out Ōtaki's wind power, down at the beach.
The Manaaki Scholarship scheme is funded by NZ's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as part of New Zealand's development assistance programme.
