The installation of a solar power system at Anamata Resource Recovery Centre, part-funded by local board and Auckland Council climate grants, has been a game changer for the organisation.
Aotea / Great Barrier has no electricity or water providers, meaning locals are reliant on their own power and water supplies.
“The board is pleased to have helped Anamata in its journey to a sustainable power supply through our grants programme,” says Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board chair Izzy Fordham.
“This project meets multiple funding priorities for the board – sustainability, resilience, and zero-waste practices. We would encourage other community organisations to keep an eye out for upcoming grant rounds and apply for help with their eligible projects or activities.”
In the past Anamata depended on a diesel generator for essential power, but with the newly installed solar they have been able to make some long-awaited additions to their operations and the 'tip shop'. This includes enabling Anamata to support the recent elimination of single-use cups on the island.
Director of Anamata, Brett O’Reilly explains that as part of the scheme, mug libraries have been set up at cafes across the island.
“We now have a dishwasher to support the scheme” says Brett.
“This means we are able to help out the local bakery and regularly swap a bin of dirty mugs for clean ones.”
Anamata has also been able to invest in a washing machine. The ability to power a washing machine has increased the amount of clothing and other washable household items that can be saved from landfill.
“The washing of the clothes is a big one for us, now nice clothes and fabrics we receive that are dirty or smelly can be washed and sold in the tip shop rather than us having to throw them out,” says Brett.
Another improvement is the installation of lighting in Anamata’s offices and in the tip shop.
There is now lighting throughout the shop at Anamata
“We now have lighting throughout our shop which is very exciting because it was very dark,” says Brett.
“This has improved sales as well as staff and customer comfort.”
Tip shop staff add that customers used to bring torches along to aid their bargain hunting.
Other benefits of the solar power are that it runs all the balers and vehicle chargers, has allowed for daily testing of electronic items, and an upholstery washer for furniture.
Future plans to maximise the solar power system involve getting a TV to play educational videos, acquiring an electric forklift, and looking at the possibility of heating a large volume of water to deal with noxious weeds.
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