Work starts on NZ’s biggest solar farm
Inspecting the first solar panels at Te Rahui is (from left) Chris More, Head of Renewable Construction at Meridian Energy, Rob Foster, Chief Executive of Nova Energy, and Evan Davies, Chief Executive of Todd. Photo: Supplied
Construction is underway on what will be New Zealand’s largest solar farm at Rangitaiki, east of Taupō.
By Dan Hutchinson
The $660 million Te Rahui Solar Farm project is an equal partnership between Todd Energy subsidiary Nova Energy and Meridian Energy.
The two companies held a celebration on the site on Wednesday for the installation of the first row of solar panels, dubbed the Golden Row.
The farm will be capable of supplying energy equivalent to that used by 100,000 homes, or 400MW.
The project is being developed in two stages of 200MW, with the second stage dependent on the success of the first. Electricity is expected to start flowing to the national grid from the middle of 2027.
(from left) Evan Davies, Chief Executive of Todd and Rob Foster, Chief Executive of Nova Energy.
Nova Energy Chief Executive Rob Foster says “every panel installed moves Te Rahui closer to delivering more renewable electricity for New Zealanders, while creating jobs and lasting benefits here in the region.”
It is being built on the site of a former 800ha farm, which was selected for its strong solar resource and suitable topography.
There will be more than 700,000 solar panels once the two stages are complete.
The site is also attractive for its proximity to existing grid infrastructure.
The 800ha site allows for a low-density layout that supports grid-scale solar generation while providing space for biodiversity restoration, wetland enhancement and cultural monitoring programmes across the site.
Substation and grid connection infrastructure is under construction, with completion targeted for late 2026. The first electricity is expected from mid-2027.
Stage Two will proceed subject to commercial decisions by the joint venture partners.
The first rows of solar panels at what will become the country’s largest solar farm.
said Chris More, Head of Renewable Construction at Meridian Energy says the renewable energy generation will strengthen New Zealand’s security of supply and energy independence, and “help bring prices down over time for Kiwi homes and businesses”.
Biodiversity restoration, wetland enhancement and cultural stewardship is being developed in partnership with iwi and hapū, with ongoing engagement and cultural monitoring.
The Golden Row event on May 6 brought together project partners, contractors, mana whenua and mana tangata to recognise the “shared progress and collective effort”.
Nova received resource consent in April 2025 and at the time Meridian Chief Executive Neal Barclay said the joint venture would be an example of how big projects could move forward when there was collaboration.
“At 400 MW, Te Rahui is a big project and sharing the investment and offtake makes strong commercial sense for both parties, while the project will also benefit home and business customers by further strengthening security of supply.”
“It’s a real win-win and we’re delighted to have this opportunity to partner with Nova on Te Rahui.”
Nova Energy CEO Babu Bahirathan said the project is a significant step towards progressing Nova’s diversification into renewable energy, and the partnership demonstrated the power of collaboration in driving ambitious renewable energy projects forward.
