Community Initiative of the Year
This award recognises a partnership or initiative that delivers meaningful and enduring benefits to communities through genuine collaboration and a commitment to community outcomes.
Sponsored by
Reefton Powerhouse Charitable Trust
Reefton Powerhouse Project
finalist
Community Initiative of the Year
New Zealand Energy Excellence Awards 2026
The Reefton Powerhouse Charitable Trust was formed to preserve New Zealand's most iconic electrical beginning. The hydro-electric scheme on the banks of the lnangahua river in Reefton that heralded in the "electric age" for the Southern Hemisphere. After a challenging 15 years, the original scheme is now restored and operating, providing visitors with an intimate connection with our hydro-electric history. This journey has been rewarding and we recognise the support of the wider electrical community of New Zealand and indeed the world. The final phase of our journey will be reconstruction of the 1906 and 1935 powerhouses to complete the site works.