Drawing from his upbringing on his whanau's papakainga on Aotea Great Barrier Island, Toki is determined to tackle the pressing issue of energy poverty in rural communities.

Growing up on the island beside his kuia and kaumatua, Toki witnessed first hand the challenges residents faced due to the lack of a central utility to provide power.

"Without a utility to provide power on the island, the people there have to be self-sufficient," Toki (Nga Puhi and Ngati Rehua) said.

"This necessity for self-reliance has led to a significant lack of energy security, making daily life and economic activities particularly difficult for the island's inhabitants." Read more