Tairāwhiti has its first ever energy champion, with Katherine Evett appointed to the newly created position. Katherine will be based in Electric Village, New Zealand’s first community-focused energy hub.
Electric Village is a one-stop-shop for advice, exhibitions and discussions about the future of energy. It will open in Gisborne in the next couple of months, with Ms Evett welcoming the community to drop in for a chat and to share their ideas.
Regional infrastructure company Eastland Group – which operates lines company Eastland Network as well as Eastland Generation, Eastland Port and Gisborne Airport – is developing the Electric Village project as part of its increasing focus on emerging technology.
“The energy sector is undergoing rapid change, with innovations that could have significant benefits for our community,” said Eastland Group chief executive Matt Todd.
“Electric Village is our opportunity to talk to the community and find out their vision for the future, as well as share information on solar generation, batteries, electric bikes and cars and other potentially game-changing developments.
“The award-winning Flick Electric Co will also be based in the Village, showing people how they can take control of their power usage and save on their bills.
“Electric Village is a vitally important project for our business and our region. We’re delighted to have Katherine joining the team, bringing her vibrant personality and expert knowledge to the role.
“As energy champion, she’ll be doing exactly what her title says: championing all forms of energy and emerging technologies. Once the doors open, go and have a chat with her. You’ll definitely leave Electric Village more informed, and quite possibly very inspired.”
Ms Evett is originally from the UK, where she studied marketing and worked for both start ups and established brands in marketing, sales and the digital space.
She moved to New Zealand in 2014, and in 2015 joined Hauora Tairāwhiti as communications advisor. At the same time, she worked part time as communications advisor for Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti.
“The energy champion role is a great opportunity to continue working alongside the Tairāwhiti community, helping our region make the most of new energy ideas and technologies,” said Ms Evett.
An Electric Village pop-up will be appearing at the Poverty Bay A&P show (stand G3) on October 13th and 14th.