Celebrating Four Years of GridFree Solar Giveaways
This year marks the fourth annual GridFree solar kit giveaway, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share the story of our 2024 winners, Kayla and Paula, from Tokomaru Bay. Their journey toward self-sufficiency and sustainability is nothing short of inspiring, and we’re honoured to play a small role in their incredible adventure.
Two years ago, Kayla and Paula started with nothing more than a paddock. Today, their thriving papakāinga (communal nature on ancestral land owned by Māori) is a slice of paradise, deeply rooted in the values of whānau (family), whenua (land), and kai (food). When we surprised them with the news of their win, the joy was palpable.
“We won! Oh my gosh! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Kayla exclaimed, surrounded by her partner Paula and their children. The gratitude and excitement were infectious, and their story left us inspired.
Living the GridFree Dream
Kayla and Paula embody the spirit of the GridFree lifestyle. They grow their own food, teach their children how to be self-sufficient, and prioritize connection to the land and community. Their garden overflows with cabbages, zucchinis, onions, and even bananas—all lovingly nurtured by their family and tamariki (children). The kids take pride in their contributions, competing over who can grow the most bananas while learning invaluable skills for life.
But the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Until now, the family relied on a single solar panel, a couple of batteries, and a noisy generator to meet their power needs. This limited their ability to store food, run appliances, and enjoy simple pleasures like watching a full movie or having ice cream on a hot day. Winning the GridFree solar kit is a game-changer for them.
“This is going to make a huge difference,” said Kayla. “We’ll be able to run a fridge, freezer, and even my sleep apnea machine. No more generator noise, no more buying petrol, and no more ice runs to town.”
A Community Effort
Building their off-grid haven has been a labor of love, supported by their whānau and community. From planting fruit trees to constructing their tiny home, every aspect of their lifestyle has been a collective effort. Kayla and Paula’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond their family; they regularly share excess produce with neighbours, donate to the local kai (food) cupboard, and foster a sense of community resilience.
Their focus on kai sovereignty—the ability to grow, harvest, and prepare their own food—is a cornerstone of their values. The family’s garden and greenhouse are not just sources of sustenance but also spaces for teaching their children the importance of nurturing the land.
“If our kids know how to grow and harvest their own kai, they’ll always have what they need,” Paula explained. “It’s a skill that will last them a lifetime.”
Freedom and Fulfillment
For Kayla and Paula, off-grid living is about more than saving money. It’s about freedom—freedom from utility bills, freedom to homeschool their children, and freedom to live life on their own terms. They’ve traded a $500 monthly power bill for days spent fishing, diving, and simply being together as a family. The simplicity and authenticity of their lifestyle are truly inspiring.
“Off-grid living humbles you,” Kayla shared. “It makes you realize how little you actually need to be happy. It’s taught us patience and shown us the beauty of living with less.”
A Bright Future
The GridFree solar kit marks a new chapter for this remarkable family. As they switch on their new system, they’re already dreaming about the possibilities—from running a projector for family movie nights to making ice blocks on scorching summer days. Most importantly, the system will allow them to continue their journey of self-reliance with greater ease and efficiency.
Kayla and Paula’s story is a testament to the power of intention, hard work, and community support. Their advice to others considering the off-grid lifestyle?
“Just do it. Set your intentions, and everything will flow from there. It’s worth it.”
Congratulations, Kayla and Paula! Your journey inspires us all, and we can’t wait to see how your family continues to thrive in your piece of paradise. Thank you for embracing the GridFree lifestyle and sharing your story with the world.
How they are doing now
“Our solar has been going amazing!!! We now have a toaster and kettle and hubby has been using his machine every night. Our little fridge has been going 24/7 and our batteries have stayed at 100%! The first day I done 5 loads of washing while it was hot and didn’t even tickle the batteries either and still stayed at 100%! It’s just made everything so much easier!!! We can’t thank you guys enough!!!!"
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