Nourished for Nil Joins Te Rehe Solar Network: Supporting Food Rescue Through Sustainable Energy
HAWKE'S BAY, 26 January 2025 — Te Rehe Solar Network, founded by Stewart Financial Group, announces the addition of Nourished for Nil to its community solar initiative. This partnership will help power the organisation's Hastings operations with locally-sourced sustainable energy.
The collaboration aligns perfectly with Nourished for Nil's operating hours, allowing maximum utilisation of solar energy during their food rescue and distribution activities. Two local members of Te Rehe Solar Network have already initiated a monthly energy gifting program, with the goal of community members contributing enough surplus solar energy to significantly reduce or eliminate Nourished for Nil's energy costs.
One of these is Hastings Councillor Marcus Buddo, who is a strong believer in ‘locals helping locals’. His family has a solar array on their woodshed, and he was more than happy to assist with the gift of their excess solar to such a worthy community organization.
"Having our energy costs reduced through this innovative community initiative means we can redirect more resources to our core mission of reducing food waste and feeding our community," says Christina McBeth, CEO of Nourished for Nil. "This partnership with Te Rehe Solar Network demonstrates how sustainable solutions can enhance our ability to serve those in need."
"Reducing operational costs through sustainable energy means more resources can go directly into food rescue and distribution," says Nick Stewart, CEO of Stewart Group. "This partnership exemplifies how community-powered solar initiatives can support vital social services."
"The technology behind Te Rehe Solar Network allows us to efficiently manage and distribute surplus solar energy to where it's needed most in our community," says John Campbell of Our Energy. "This platform ensures seamless energy sharing between producers and community organisations like Nourished for Nil."
Te Rehe Solar Network, with its 106 members including 47 energy producers, welcomes additional solar array owners who wish to contribute surplus energy to support Nourished for Nil's mission.
Te Rehe Solar Network expects to announce another significant and well-known community organisation will join its network in the months ahead.
About Te Rehe Solar Network Te Rehe Solar Network, established by Stewart Group, is a community-focused sustainable energy initiative connecting solar energy producers with local organisations throughout New Zealand. The network currently serves 106 members, with 47 active energy producers contributing to the wider community. It is hosted by Our Energy who provides the technology solution that underpins the network. Stewart Group is a Hawke's Bay and Wellington based financial advisory business specialising in financial planning, wealth management, insurance and pensions. Both Stewart Group and Te Rehe Solar Network are B Corps, which is the global standard for sustainability.
About Nourished for Nil Nourished for Nil is a vital food rescue organisation serving the Hawke's Bay community since 2017. Operating from their Hastings hub, they collect and redistribute approximately 85,000 kg of food each month that would otherwise go to waste. The organisation serves over 2,000 people weekly through their food distribution services, operating five days a week with a team of dedicated volunteers. Their work not only addresses food insecurity but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing food waste. The organisation maintains refrigeration units and food storage facilities that will benefit significantly from the solar energy initiative.
Nick Stewart (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Huirapa, Ngāti Māmoe, Ngāti Waitaha) is a Financial Adviser and CEO at Stewart Group, a Hawke's Bay and Wellington-based CEFEX & BCorp certified financial planning and advisory firm. He is also the CEO and founder of Te Rehe Solar Network. Press Release No: 1