Energy Resilience and Affordability Conference 2026

Ara Ake, Community Energy Network and WISE are excited to announce the 2026 Energy Resilience and Affordability Conference, taking place at Pipitea Marae in Wellington. Now in its fourth year, the conference has built a substantial body of knowledge about energy hardship in Aotearoa New Zealand - what it looks like, why it persists, and what works at the community level.

2026 Theme: From energy consumers to energy communities

This year's theme, From energy consumers to energy communities, looks beyond the problem to explore the vision: local, participatory approaches to energy resilience and affordability, enabled by the right infrastructure, regulation and community assets. 

Programme

View the most up-to-date programme on the event page.

Discounted tickets

A set amount of discounted tickets have been set aside for community groups and students. Please email sarah.millers@araake.co.nz to find out more.

On Friday 4th September, 9am - 12pm. Workshops are included in your ticket and can be booked during checkout.

Community Energy Activators and Navigators

The Community Energy Activator is a free programme based on the Ara Ake Community Energy How-To-Guide, which guides individuals and groups through the process of establishing community energy projects. The programme brings numerous benefits to communities by democratising energy knowledge, making it accessible to everyone, and empowering communities to take control of their energy future, even with little prior knowledge. This session will cover what is needed to run an Activator programme in your region.

Home Performance Advisor workshop: The Home Performance Advisor (HPA) training programme invites you to an informal session where you'll learn more about the people and organisations behind the Kaupapa to 'raise the standard of advice' New Zealanders receive, to improve the performance, health and efficiency of their homes. If you are already HPA trained, we'll combine this workshop with a professional development session.