Bridging the Digital Divide: Shape Energy Partners with Tū Ātea to Power Remote Connectivity with Renewable Innovation
Tackling the Digital Divide with Energy Resilience
At Shape, we’re proud to announce our strategic partnership with Tū Ātea—a visionary Māori organisation leading the way in spectrum and telecommunications services. Together, we’re combining our expertise in renewable energy solutions and connectivity infrastructure to help close the digital divide in Aotearoa.
Established in 2020 by the Māori Spectrum Working Group, Tū Ātea (formerly the Interim Māori Spectrum Commission) is a guardian of long-term Māori rights to telecommunications spectrum.
“Working with Shape, who are experts in energy, makes sense for us because we are the experts in the telecommunication space. We want to work with organisations that are investing in Aotearoa for our future generations.”
— Antony Royal, CEO, Tū Ātea
Introducing Kāhu and Tūī: Renewable Power Meets Next-Gen Connectivity
In partnership with Tū Ātea, Shape has helped develop two pioneering solutions: Kāhu and Tūī—tools designed to enhance connectivity resilience across even the most remote parts of New Zealand.
Kāhu – Renewable Energy Powered 5G
Kāhu is a portable 5G base station powered by renewable hybrid energy, capable of being drop-shipped anywhere in Aotearoa. This unit transforms sunlight into reliable, high-speed connectivity—making it ideal for remote or underserved communities.
Tūī – Rapid Deployment for Emergency Connectivity
Tūī is a plug-and-play communication unit designed for ultra-fast deployment. When disasters strike or communities are cut off, Tūī can be rolled out on-site quickly to restore connectivity and provide essential communications.
Together, Kāhu and Tūī give Tū Ātea the ability to respond dynamically to infrastructure failures, natural disasters, and connectivity gaps, ensuring that all Kiwis stay connected, no matter where they live.
Shaping the Future of Energy and Connectivity in Aotearoa
Together, Kāhu and Tūī represent a step-change in how New Zealand can respond to connectivity challenges—especially in remote, rural, and disaster-affected regions. By integrating renewable energy with advanced 5G telecommunications, these systems provide a reliable and scalable solution for communities that have traditionally been underserved. With the ability to be rapidly deployed and operated independently of the grid, Kāhu and Tūī ensure that vital communication lines remain open even during emergencies, power outages, or infrastructure failures.
This partnership between Shape and Tū Ātea reflects a shared commitment to resilience, sustainability, and equity in access to technology across Aotearoa.
“We’re honoured to collaborate with Tū Ātea, a leader in the telecommunications field. Shape is excited to be part of the expansion of 5G coverage and infrastructure resilience in remote areas. This kind of relationship will benefit our communities and Aotearoa as a whole, helping us to close the digital divide.”
— CEO, Shape Energy
A Real-World Solution with National Impact
Our purpose is to deliver real-world energy solutions that create lasting impact—not just for today, but for generations to come. With Kāhu and Tūī, we’re not just building infrastructure—we’re delivering lifelines. These innovations represent a future where access to power and connectivity is no longer dictated by geography or circumstance.
By combining renewable energy with cutting-edge telecommunications, we’re helping to ensure that every New Zealander can stay connected, safe, and informed. This is about more than technology; it’s about equity, resilience, and manaakitanga—supporting people and communities with the tools they need to thrive.
Together with Tū Ātea, we’re shaping a stronger, more connected Aotearoa—one that’s powered by purpose, partnership, and people.
