A primary school in the Far North has become the first kura in the region to make the switch to solar power.
Peria School, a decile two school which is 55 percent Maori, is celebrating the move to the sustainable energy source.
Principal Jason Tane said the school had previously been environmentally focused but in recent times that had narrowed to reading, writing and maths, and the kura wanted to restore its original ethos.
The board wanted to make the switch to solar power as that fitted with its ethos and reflected its environmental concerns. It had rewritten the school's charter this year so that it promoted its clean, green principals.
Mr Tane said other families in the community were now interested in adopting the alternative energy source.
Peria School had been paying $800 a month to power two classrooms, and the board was concerned by how much that contributed to its annual budget, he said.
Children at Peria School celebrate the installation of solar panels. Photo: RNZ
