Solar power set to light up The Lions Te Urewera Education Centre thanks to Trust Horizon grant

The Lions Te Urewera Education Centre has seen in excess of 100,000 visitors since it was established 56 years ago as an outdoor education facility to enable urban youth to experience life away from town centres.

Recently, the much-loved Lions Te Urewera Education Centre received a grant of $52,443 from Trust Horizon towards a solar power project that will re-electrify the hut.

Committee President, Ray Walker said an off-grid solar power system will provide 240-volt AC power to the educational facility, which will enable modern LED lighting and power outlets to be installed throughout the facility.

“Candles and kerosine lanterns lit the interior of the Lions Hut for the first thirty odd years,” says Ray. “Early 2000 saw the installation of 12-volt DC lighting within the facility and although it was an upgrade from the era of candles and lanterns, the lighting level was marginal. The new LED lights will exceed the lighting levels available in most school classrooms and enable educational use throughout the winter months.”

Further to this, a real-time display of the solar power system’s energy production will be installed within the premises, providing a valuable education opportunity on sustainable living.

The centre is set approximately 10km within northern Te Urewera and is totally off-grid with no phone or internet connection. Off-grid describes more than just the physical location of the centre; it’s part of its philosophy.

“Activities are largely centred around opportunities not available in the urban environment,” says Ray. These include outdoor survival skills, tramping, river crossings, and experiences promoting self-reliance. The evenings are spent together around the log fires – without the distraction of television, cell phones or computers – reflecting on the values of simple living that Ray believes are fading in our busy, modern lives.

There is also a focus on teamwork and respect for others and the environment, Ray explains. “Respect for people, their culture and the Tuhoe people’s cultural history within Te Urewera, as well as respect for Te Urewera itself as a unique and enduring natural entity.”

Trust Horizon Trustee, David Bulley, says the Trust is pleased to support upgrades to this significant community asset in the Eastern Bay of Plenty; one which is remembered fondly by the many rangatahi and Eastern Bay families who have visited. “We are particularly excited about the educational opportunities that will come out of the solar monitoring system, which will allow youth to learn more about solar energy production and its sustainable use.”

Read more about how we invest in the pride of our communities here.