Parihaka Papakainga Trust says new funding to research sustainable energy means it is one step closer to rebuilding the community.
The Taranaki settlement of Parihaka has been granted $180,000 of funding to work alongside Massey University to look at energy efficiencies, low energy housing, heat generation, storage and use.
Trust chair Amokura Panoho says the project, Taiepa Tiketike, is crucial to the papakainga's long-term master plan.
Ms Pahoho said infrastructure is at full capacity with about 20 residences on the land, and in 25 years she hoped it would be home to 1000 people.
The funding would allow the trust to get on with another stage of rebuilding the community by creating its own energy system, she said.
