Light Up the Domain is a community-led initiative to make Te Aroha’s premier park more welcoming and showcase its unique features. Harmony and First Renewable, part of Clarus, who are joint venture partners in the Tauhei Solar Farm project, have donated $10,000 to support the installation of eco-friendly lights around the Gallipoli Centennial ponds and gardens.
Darice Collinson, Chair of Light Up the Domain said, “Everyone involved with Light Up the Domain are thrilled with the donation and it’s satisfying to think that the energy that will be generated by Tauhei Solar Farm will eventually help power the new lights.
“Tauhei is an amazing project, and I think almost everyone in Te Aroha is honoured and happy to have it here,” Collinson adds.
Garth Elmes, Managing Director, Harmony Energy said, “We are delighted to support such an important project for the Te Aroha community. Light up the Domain is a great initiative that will make a difference to so many in the community.”
Te Aroha Domain
Lighting up the Domain will bring more events
Installing lights at the pond is the second phase of the overall plan, explains Collinson
“We have already got the existing lighting going so the band rotunda is lit, and the ponds are next. The third phase will be to floodlight the trees. It’s not going to be colourful, it’s just going to spotlight the aspects that are already there. Once all the assets are floodlit a lot more, we plan to put on evening events – concerts and movie nights – and people can picnic there on summer nights.”
Te Aroha Domain
“The jewel in the crown of this area”
Te Aroha Domain dates back to the 1890s when the area was a spa town for local and international tourists. It retains many of its original buildings and Edwardian character along with its mineral spas. The Domain is also home to the Mokena Geyser, believed to be the world’s only natural hot soda water geyser.
Although the park is popular with locals, it’s rarely used in the evening, so its Edwardian charm doesn’t get the appreciation it fully deserves, says Collinson.
“I love Te Aroha, and the Domain is the jewel in the crown of this area. But I’ve always felt it’s underutilised. I’m hitting the ‘go’ button now so we can get shovels in the ground. The end result will be so much fun.”
Once the lighting is installed, the park will be more inviting at night, look more spectacular, and feel safer for locals. It is also expected to reduce vandalism. Locals have been enthusiastic about making this public space more versatile and welcoming, Collinson says: “This really is a project for the people, and it’s going to make a permanent improvement.”
Pond and garden lighting work planned for December completion
Collinson hopes this second stage of the project will be completed in December 2025, but its success will depend on securing the full $30,000 in funding. Light Up the Domain is under the umbrella of the local business association, and the subcommittee is talking to the Council about providing some additional support, as well as seeking more donations.
It’s a labour of love for Collinson, who is passionate about Te Aroha, a rural town with 5,000 residents that boasts stunning natural landscapes and a rich outdoor lifestyle.
“I came to Te Aroha 20 years ago to be with my mum in her later life, and I fell in love with it. I have a hair salon here, and 80% of my time is spent working on my business, so I spend the other 20% giving back to the community – you’ve got to have that balance in life.”
Tauhei will generate enough renewable electricity for all of Te Aroha
The Tauhei solar farm is on track to be the largest solar farm in Aotearoa once completed, with a capacity of 202 MWp, thanks to 35,000 solar panels across 182 hectares. It will generate enough power for all the homes in not only the Matamata-Piako District, (around 15,000 homes), but also the neighbouring Hauraki and South Waikato Districts (which each have around 10,000 houses according to Infometrics).
For more information visit - clarus.co.nz/tauhei-solar-farm
