Renewable energy

NewPower Energy Celebrates Major Milestone with Commissioning of 33 MW Taiohi Solar Farm

Strategic Insights

Oct 28, 2025 — 1 min read

NewPower Energy, a subsidiary of WEL Networks, has reached a significant milestone with the commissioning of the 33 MW Taiohi Solar Farm in Rangiriri, North of Hamilton. This achievement marks a major step towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future for the Waikato and beyond. The Taiohi Solar Farm, comprising over 47,000 solar panels, will provide renewable generation capacity and complement the Rotohiko Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Huntly, enhancing the flexibility and responsiveness of the energy network in Aotearoa.

Key Takeaways:

Taiohi Solar Farm is a 33 MWdc project located in Rangiriri, North of Hamilton, and is operational as of 2025.
The solar farm consists of over 47,000 solar panels and represents a significant investment in local capability and partnerships with iwi.
NewPower Energy, in collaboration with Infratec New Zealand Ltd, is responsible for the development and construction of the Taiohi Solar Farm.
The Taiohi Solar Farm is one of several renewable energy projects developed by NewPower Energy, including the upcoming Rangimýürie Solar Farm, which is expected to generate 12 MWdc of electricity in Q2 2026.
NewPower Energy's portfolio includes solar, battery, and emerging-technology projects across the North Island, with a focus on strengthening local-energy resilience.
Infratec New Zealand Ltd, a subsidiary of WEL Networks, has delivered or is currently building nine solar farms and one BESS nationwide, adding over 202 MW of generation capacity to New Zealand's renewable landscape.

Statistics:

47,000: number of solar panels installed in the Taiohi Solar Farm.
33 MWdc: capacity of the Taiohi Solar Farm.
12 MWdc: expected capacity of the Rangimýürie Solar Farm, under construction.
202 MW: total generation capacity added to New Zealand's renewable landscape by Infratec New Zealand Ltd.
Q2 2026: expected timeline for the first generation of electricity from the Rangimýürie Solar Farm.

Sources:

MIL-OSI New Zealand News
WEL Networks
NewPower Energy Ltd
Infratec New Zealand Ltd
Contify.com

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