Rangatahi learned how solar power can benefit whanau and iwi in our second renewable energy workshop. Developing more sustainable platforms in a world faced with challenges is one of the key take-away from this workshop. In Japan, for example, it is reported that across lakes and ponds, a Japanese plastics supplier is creating solar floating farms to deliver sizeable sustainable benefits. Reports reveal that ‘they can generate more energy because they can operate at lower temperatures than ground systems and because water surface temperatures keep their technology cool. Through this collaboration, SABIC has consistently helped expand the solar assets of a major industrial nation’.

Online zoom workshop did not hinder participation, rather, with more resources, the students would have been able to achieve even greater outcomes.

A very exciting activity was creating their own solar oven. Professor Alan explained the principles of creating a solar oven; how tin foil traps the heat and how efficient solar cookers can be designed to break bread or even pizza. The youth spent a lovely afternoon constructing their oven and roasting marshmallows.