RNZ’s report, ‘New South Wales floods displace an ‘unimaginable’ number of families, 500 properties uninhabitable’, once again highlights the sheer unpredictability of current climatic changes and the catastrophic disaster that is unfolding.

With power companies diligently working to try to fix power lines that had fallen down and been destroyed, the need for more alternative/renewable sources of energy continues is emphasised. According to Our Power “In the aftermath of a natural disaster, when the conventional power grid fails and darkness descends, renewable energy is a cornerstone in disaster recovery efforts. Renewable energy it’s a lifeline during emergencies, a beacon of hope and resilience that shapes how we respond, recover, and rebuild’.

This understanding continues to fuel the kaupapa of PTC’s solar-based Flaxmer project as we empower youth with a sense of possibility and ways to build to withstand adverse and unpredictable events. Rangatahi had a great time trying to capture the rays of the sun, which were elusive on this particular day. Nevertheless, much was learnt as youth worked collaboratively to create novel solutions and designs for harnessing solar energy.