Manawa Energy launched this week and saw the new brand become one of Aotearoa New Zealand's largest power generators, responsible for around five per cent of the country's generation capacity.

The name ‘Manawa' meaning ‘heart' was gifted to the company by Ngāti Hangarau hapū and acknowledges their shared connection with the Omanawa River, which flows through the Kaimai power scheme.

'The name Manawa speaks to the heart of our operations in the Bay of Plenty from where we connect to communities around Aotearoa New Zealand through our energy assets," says a spokesperson.

"With 26 power generation schemes spread around the country we are uniquely positioned to be able to support these local communities.” said CEO David Prentice.

'Most significantly, it exemplifies our commitment to a new era of partnerships with iwi and stakeholders as we work together to meet the energy needs posed by the decarbonisation of our economy.”

The launch was celebrated at Manawa Energy's Durham Street offices on Monday. Employees were joined by members of Ngāti Hangarau hapū, who gathered on the first morning of the newly named company to bless the building together and share speeches, waiata and kai.

Ngāti Hangarau gifted a mauri stone from the Omanawa River which will be taken to the new Manawa Energy head office, currently in construction on Cameron Road.

Manawa Energy will continue to be a large employer in Tauranga with approximately 170 of its 240 employees located here.