Kaitaia College sets the pace

Kaitaia College principal Jack Saxon had been looking forward to the day when he could open the school’s power bill without fainting. That day arrived yesterday.

Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis unveiled a plaque outside the school’s library marking the official advent of solar power on grand scale, bigger than any solar system at any other school in the country, Mr Saxon saying the sun would not supply all the school’s power needs but would make a major contribution, and enable exporting of the excess to local homes.

Dwayne Crocker, from the Sustainable Electricity Association NZ, said what had been achieved at the school was “absolutely amazing,” adding that all involved should be “incredibly proud.”

See Tuesday’s

Northland Age

for more.

Rev Michael Withiel blessing the Kaitaia College buildings that now bear 367 solar panels prior to yesterday’s unveiling of a plaque marking the school’s adoption of solar energy on a grand scale.