Memorandum of Understanding
between
Rewiring Aotearoa and Electrify the Hutt
Purpose
Rewiring Aotearoa believes grassroots community movements are crucial to electrify the nation. This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) exists to support a mutually beneficial relationship between Rewiring Aotearoa and electric communities that are part of their network, clarify the nature of the relationship, as well as outline the roles, expectations and responsibilities of each party.
This MOU is not a legally binding agreement but rather a statement of intent and good faith between the parties. It serves to express a mutual commitment to accelerating local, community-led electrification.
Background & Document Purpose
Rewiring Aotearoa is supporting a network of independent community groups (electric communities) accelerating localised electrification. To do this, they have established the role of Ecosystem Lead to catalyse and support electric communities. On behalf of Rewiring Aotearoa, the Ecosystem Lead provides time, expertise and resources to help ‘make it easy’ for electric communities to establish and rapidly become action-based.
Responsibilities – Rewiring Aotearoa
Rewiring Aotearoa is committed to supporting the growth and success of electric communities, for example by providing the following support and resources:
- Providing a dedicated point of contact: Rewiring Aotearoa’s Ecosystem Lead is the primary point of contact for electric communities, providing ongoing support and guidance.
- Offering access to resources: Rewiring Aotearoa will provide electric communities with access to a library of resources, such as:
- Toolkits and templates (e.g., campaign planning templates, event management templates, media release templates, funding application templates).
- Educational materials (e.g., fact sheets, brochures, presentations).
- Branding guidelines and assets.
- Facilitate networking and collaboration: Rewiring Aotearoa will facilitate connections between electric communities. This could include:
- Organising regular meetings for communities to share best practices and collaborate.
- Creating a dedicated online platform for communication and resource sharing.
- Distributing regular newsletter updates.
- Provide training and capacity building: Rewiring Aotearoa may offer training and workshops to electric community members on topics such as:
- Campaign planning and implementation.
- Community engagement and outreach.
- Electrification options for households.
- Fundraising and grant writing.
- Advocacy and policy engagement.
- Promote electric community activities: Rewiring Aotearoa may promote electric community activities and achievements through its communication channels (e.g., website, social media, newsletter).
- Maintain a directory of electric communities: Rewiring Aotearoa will maintain a public directory of electric communities on its website to facilitate connections and raise awareness.
- Advocate for policies that support community electrification: Rewiring Aotearoa will use its platform to advocate for policies that create a more favourable environment for community-led electrification initiatives in Aotearoa.
- Provide information on relevant policies and regulations: Rewiring Aotearoa will keep electric communities informed about relevant policies, regulations, and incentives related to electrification in Aotearoa.
- Provide access to relevant data and research: Rewiring Aotearoa will share data and research on topics such as energy consumption, emissions, and the economic benefits of electrification in Aotearoa.
- Support data collection and analysis: Rewiring Aotearoa may provide support to electric communities in collecting and analysing local data to inform their activities.
Responsibilities – Electrify the Hutt
Electric communities that choose to be a part of Rewiring Aotearoa’s network agree to the following responsibilities:
- Accelerate adoption: Support individuals, households, businesses and farms to electrify and make electric decisions.
- Plan and enact strategic interventions: Develop and roll out a local electrification plan with the goal of accelerating electrification.
- Amplify the message: Educate the public on the benefits and how-tos of electrification.
- Engage the community: Establish and maintain relationships with local stakeholders, including residents, businesses, community groups, mana whenua and local government officials.
- Champion local and national action: Advocate for community assets and political action.
- Steward trustworthy electrification knowledge: Providing, and being the conduit for, trustworthy advice and resources on electrification.
- Create smart energy users: Encourage consumers to be demand-responsive and energy-savvy.
- Address local barriers: Identify and address the unique needs of local communities to overcome barriers to electrification.
- Providing a dedicated point of contact: Designate a primary contact person to liaise with, and provide updates to, Rewiring Aotearoa.
- Partner with Mana Whenua: Engage with local iwi and hapu Māori to ensure local outcomes include equitable outcomes for mana whenua.
- Gather and share data: Collect and report relevant data on energy consumption, emissions, and community attitudes toward electrification.
- Collaborate: Share resources, experiences and learnings with other electric communities and Rewiring Aotearoa.
- Act transparently: Maintain accountable operations, including financial management, decision-making processes and any relevant legal compliance.
- Uphold community values: Act in accordance with the values and principles of the Rewiring Aotearoa network, including promoting equity, sustainability, and community wellbeing.
The specific approach taken by each electric community will differ, responsive to capacity, interests and unique leverage points.
Risk Management
Rewiring Aotearoa and electric communities acknowledge that community-based activities inherently involve certain risks.
Rewiring Aotearoa is not liable for any losses, damages, or injuries incurred by electric communities or their members and this document does not create a duty of care on the part of Rewiring Aotearoa to manage the risks of electric communities.
Each electric community is solely responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing the risks associated with its own specific activities and operations. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Developing a basic risk assessment for planned events and activities.
- Implementing appropriate risk mitigation measures.
- Obtaining necessary insurance coverage (e.g., public liability insurance) as deemed appropriate for their activities.
- Adhering to all applicable laws and regulations.