He Ahi Eco-Business Park: TaupÅâs New Home For Sustainable Industry
- Bryn Ingham
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 14
TaupÅâs journey towards a more sustainable, low-carbon future took a significant step forward recently with a karakia that marks the start of earthworks at the new He Ahi Eco-Business Park. This milestone paves the way for a world-class development that will position TaupÅ as a leader in renewable energy and circular economy initiatives.
He Ahi Eco-Business Park is an innovative development that brings together MÄori values, renewable energy, and forward-thinking infrastructure to create a unique industrial environment. Strategically located near the renowned Tauhara Geothermal Field, the park offers businesses of all sizes direct access to a low-carbon, renewable energy source - an ideal solution for manufacturing, food processing, timber drying and other heat-intensive industries.
The karakia was led by Te Pae o Waimihia, a Maori-owned Trust formed by a collective of six hapū from the TaupŠDistrict, who have invested in the development of He Ahi Eco-Business Park. The karakia brought together local iwi representatives, project partners, and community stakeholders to acknowledge and respect the cultural significance of the land. He Ahi has been designed with kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and sustainability as guiding principles, ensuring the environment is both protected and enhanced while supporting economic growth. By integrating cultural values into every aspect of the project, He Ahi demonstrates how enterprise and nature can flourish side by side.
Infrastructure Designed for Renewable Energy
A key part of the parkâs design is its partnership with Contact Energy, whose expertise in geothermal energy provides tenants with access to a stable, cost-effective heat directly from the Tauhara Geothermal Field. For businesses that require consistent, high-grade heat, the shift towards clean energy can be challenging but He Ahi bridges that gap by providing:
Competitive Energy Pricing: With direct geothermal energy supply, tenants can secure stable, long-term energy rates.
Reliable Energy Source: Geothermal energy offers consistent baseload power, unmatched by other renewable energy sources prone to weather fluctuations.
Scalability: The park can accommodate small to medium-scale heat demand, ideal for businesses of varying sizes.
Sustainability and Carbon Reduction: By using geothermal heat instead of fossil fuels, companies significantly cut down on carbon emissions and meet growing consumer and regulatory demands for cleaner operations.
Flexible Design and Build Packages
In addition to offering prime access to TaupÅâs geothermal resources, He Ahi Eco-Business Park provides tailored design and build packages that accommodate a variety of operational needs:
Customised Facilities: From processing plants to warehouses, all builds can be designed to include advanced geothermal infrastructure and energy-efficient features. Each plan is shaped by the tenantâs specific requirements, ensuring the space is fit for purpose and future-ready.
Sustainability at the Forefront: Buildings are developed with eco-conscious materials, systems, and layouts to reduce environmental impact and align with He Ahiâs kaitiakitanga values. Tenants gain the advantage of integrated process heat connections, further lowering their carbon footprint.
Collaborative Planning: The He Ahi team works closely with each business to streamline design, consenting, and construction processes. This partnership approach helps fast-track development while maintaining high standards of quality and sustainability.
Amplifyâs Role in Supporting Development
As TaupÅâs Economic Development Agency, Amplify is actively supporting the He Ahi project, helping businesses understand the opportunities and benefits of operating within an eco-focused industrial environment. Weâre here to:
Facilitate Conversations: Connect potential tenants with He Ahi development team, Contact Energy, and other project partners.
Connect Businesses: Leverage our network of industry partners, iwi groups, and other stakeholders to foster strong, collaborative relationships.
Navigate Incentives & Regulations: Offer guidance on local and national funding options, consent processes, and best practices for establishing in TaupÅ.
Promote Growth: By showcasing the world-class opportunities at He Ahi, we aim to attract the best and brightest businesses to TaupÅ, boosting employment and prosperity for our community.
If your business relies on process heat and youâre seeking a sustainable, cost-effective energy supply, consider becoming a tenant at He Ahi Eco-Business Park. Contact Amplify to discover how your organisation can take advantage of TaupÅâs geothermal advantage and join the innovative community at He Ahi. Together, we can power a cleaner, more resilient future - one business at a time.
Stay Connected with He Ahi
To keep up with the latest news, milestones, and development updates at He Ahi Eco-Business Park, be sure to visit their official website at www.heahi.co.nz and follow their social channels - LinkedIn and Facebook. Whether youâre interested in project progress, tenant announcements, or upcoming sustainability initiatives, these platforms offer a direct line to everything happening at He Ahi. Keep an eye out for new posts and insights as TaupÅâs newest eco-business community continues to grow and thrive.