5 November 2012: The Government of New Zealand has announced that, building on its support to Pacific Island countries in identifying clean and affordable energy solutions, it will host a Pacific energy summit in March 2013. The announcement comes after news that Tokelau is effectively 100% solar powered, through technical assistance from New Zealand.

According to the New Zealand Government, a third solar power system was recently installed in Tokelau, as part of the NZ$8.5 million Tokelau Renewable Energy Project. This installment brings the territory in line with its goal of being powered solely by renewable energy by the end of 2012, with Tokelau now having enough solar power on average to meet its energy needs.

The New Zealand Government has also provided clean and affordable energy solutions to Tonga and the Cook Islands. [Government of New Zealand Press Release]