More Than Biomass: Boots, Community, and Connection in the Solomon Islands
Lloyd McGinty, our Senior Energy, Biomass and Carbon Specialist, has just returned from three weeks in the Solomon Islands, where he is investigating a biomass-fuelled steam and power generation project. In 2024, Whirika assessed the region’s biomass resources and found ample long-term supply from FSC production forestry.
Now Lloyd is getting into the details of a new greenfield project with SolTuna - the country’s largest tuna processing facility and a cornerstone of the local economy, providing employment and income for communities in Noro and the surrounding areas.
But it’s not always about the work we do with our clients. Sometimes it’s about supporting communities, getting to know the locals, and giving back. When Lloyd visited in 2024, he was struck by the passion of the local soccer players. Most played in bare feet, and some even shared a single pair of boots.
This experience left a lasting impression, so Lloyd was keen to gather up any spare boots and gear and bring them over as a gift to the community from his Dunedin club, Grants Braes AFC. A quick Facebook post resulted in more than 23 kg of gear generously donated by Grants Braes families, members, and the club. The donation included:
Over 20 pairs of boots
Four pairs of goalkeeper gloves
Six pairs of shin pads
Numerous socks and shirts,
A full Grants Braes match kit
The Noro Football Club at the official gear handover @ SolTuna Park.
The recipient of the gear was the Noro Football Club. Club President, Nelson Boso, is a former representative player and is deeply passionate about developing football in the Western Province. Through his leadership, Noro now has a FIFA-compliant pitch - built with the long-term vision of hosting a FIFA-sanctioned match one day.
An official handover ceremony was held at SolTuna Park, complete with speeches, photos, and a signing ceremony. Nelson described the donated gear as a true blessing for the players and the club. In recognition of the occasion, Noro Football Association FC even prepared a Certificate of Partnership, which reads in part:
“In recognition of a shared passion for football and community, Noro Football Assoc FC and Grants Braes AFC formally unite as sister clubs…”
A heartfelt thank you to Grants Braes AFC and all members who contributed - your generosity was genuinely appreciated by both the club and its players.
Lloyd and Nelson holding up their Certificate of Partnership - formally uniting Noro Football Association FC and Grants Braes AFC as sister clubs.
Thanks also to SolTuna and Whirika for covering the excess baggage costs that made it possible to get the gear to Noro.