First Renewables, part of Clarus and Harmony Energy held a special Karakia ceremony early on Monday morning, 10 March 2025. Performed by Norm Hill, representing Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu and Ngāti Hauā as mana whenua, the ceremony took place to ensure the site culturally safe before ground works commenced.
Representatives from Clarus, Harmony Energy NZ and Elecnor NZ gathered, along with contractors from Maven, Worley, ElectroNet, JSwap, and CMW Geosciences. Following the Karakia, everyone was invited back to the Old Forge Kitchen for kai, also an important part of the ceremony, and Norm Hill conducted a cultural induction for those who are working on the site.
The Tauhei Solar Farm project is a joint venture between Harmony Energy and, First Renewables Limited, part of Clarus. At the time of commissioning in late 2026, it is expected to be New Zealand’s largest solar farm at 202 MWp, constructed on 182 hectares near Te Aroha in the North Island. The solar farm will generate 280 gigawatt hours of electricity per year, which is enough renewable electricity to supply the equivalent of approximately 35,000 New Zealand homes.
The project will also create around 350 full-time equivalent jobs during its two-year construction phase and permanent full-time jobs once completed. It will also support biodiversity in the area by creating a wetland and allow the land to continue to be used for farming.
We are excited to contribute to New Zealand's renewable energy future. Our next event is the ‘Sod Turning’ in early April, marking the start of ground works on this groundbreaking project.