Lau’s Getaway, a two-unit, higher-end tourist accommodation nestled in Avatele, Niue, is making a significant and strategic leap toward sustainable tourism with the installation of a new hybrid solar system.
Owners Lau and Avi Rubin recognized that the key operational challenges in Niue—namely, cripplingly high-power costs and disruptive electricity outages—were directly compromising the premium guest experience they aimed to deliver.
Partnering for success
Their solution began not with the equipment purchase, but with a foundational partnership with Business Link Pacific (BLP). BLP is a private sector development programme funded by the New Zealand government and delivered by DT-Global. In Niue, the BLP programme is facilitated through the Niue Chamber of Commerce.
To ensure their investment was sound, Lau and Avi were connected with BLP approved Business Advisor Stuart Gow from Resort Support. Stuart provided them with comprehensive advice and helped to meticulously model the operational savings and return on investment for the proposed solar system.
As a BLP approved advisor, Stuart was able to access a BLP advisory subsidy to reduce the cost of his advisory services making it more affordable for Lau and Avi.
BLP financial support
This robust, advisor–backed business plan was the basis for their successful application for a BLP Grant. The grant provided a foundational element of the total capital required, which was supplemented by their own substantial investment to purchase and install the innovative hybrid solar equipment, providing the necessary capital to move the project from concept to reality.
This investment in the equipment is a commitment to both the environment and business resilience. The solar system is projected to have a remarkable five-year payback period while guaranteeing a reliable, green power source – a true gamechanger for guest comfort.
The owners are very happy with the outcome. “This is far more than just cutting costs. It’s about providing our guests with uninterrupted comfort, which is now a non-negotiable part of our service, while making a decisive, sustainable shift to green energy for the future of our island.”
The success of Lau’s Getaway accommodation is expected to set a new, high standard, demonstrating a clear, financially viable path for other tourist accommodations in Niue to adopt climate-resilient technologies and operations.
BLP facilitates access to business advisory services and financial support through our partner in Niue, the Niue Chamber of Commerce.
To start your journey with BLP, you can self-assess your needs by using the free online tools available to help small- and medium-sized businesses diagnose areas in their businesses that an advisor could improve.
The first step can be the online Business Health Check. You can also check your business’s resilience to respond to crises or climate change challenges on the Business Continuity Planner and the Climate Action Sensor. If you prefer to meet a local BLP representative in person to discuss your business, get in touch with our local partners to arrange a face-to-face Diagnostic.