Te Kaha Secures Major Solar Funding for Energy Resilience

A major step toward energy resilience is underway in Te Kaha, with the government confirming a $4.75 million loan to support a new solar power project.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Energy Minister Simon Watts announced the loan on Monday, as part of a broader $28.1 million investment from the Regional Infrastructure Fund into three regional solar energy projects.

The Te Kaha initiative, led by Te Huata Charitable Trust, will see the construction of an 804kW-peak solar farm and battery system, aimed at powering around 320 local homes and businesses.

The system will include storage capacity for up to 72 hours, a key feature for a community that has long struggled with unreliable electricity supply.

Reliable power will also help the Ōpōtiki region with its bid to be an aquaculture Centre of national significance. During construction, up to 12 people will be employed.

"Solar power is playing an increasingly important role in increasing electricity generation in New Zealand. It will help us reach our renewable energy targets and bolster the security and affordability of our energy supply,” Energy Minister Simon Watts said.

The project is expected to create up to 12 jobs during the construction phase and will play a critical role in improving energy security for the community.

The investment aligns with the Coalition Government’s broader goal of doubling renewable energy generation by 2035.

The Te Kaha solar farm is one of three regional projects receiving government support:

• Rakiura/Stewart Island: A suspensory loan of up to $15.35 million to Southland District Council to build the first stage of a solar farm and upgrade the local network, aiming to replace diesel generation for the island’s 494 permanent electricity connections.

• Ongaonga, Hawke’s Bay: A loan of up to $8 million to Centralines Ltd to develop a 35-hectare solar farm, generating 52GWh annually and serving approximately 9,000 connections.

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All three projects are expected to commence construction this year, collectively creating around 150 jobs and contributing significantly to regional development and climate goals.

Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson, who travelled to Rakiura for the announcement, emphasized that the Regional Infrastructure Fund is targeting areas where private investment is harder to attract.

“The Regional infrastructure Fund is contributing to energy security where communities cannot gain investment from other sources, and there are wider benefits for the communities,” Patterson said.

For the Bay of Plenty, the Te Kaha project marks a meaningful shift toward energy independence and a cleaner, more resilient future.