First solar farm fast-tracked
A Canterbury solar farm is the first in New Zealand to be granted fast-track approval.
This is the 29th project and 7th renewable energy project to be approved through the Fast-track process.
Lodestone Energy Limited lodged its application in September 2025, with approval taking around eight months since the appointment of an independent expert panel.
“Haldon Solar Farm near Lake Benmore, 14 km southeast of Twizel, is expected to generate 370 GWh of renewable energy annually, enough to power around 45,000 households,” says Mr Bishop.
“Reliable renewable electricity generation is critical to supporting economic growth and regional resilience.”
“Seven renewable projects have been approved so far under the Fast-track process, including four new projects: Waitaha Hydro, Southland Wind Farm, Mahinerangi Wind Farm, and Haldon Solar. Together, these approvals will add more than 770 megawatts of new generation capacity, representing more than 5 per cent of New Zealand’s current generation capacity.
“The project represents a major investment in Canterbury and will help drive regional economic growth while advancing New Zealand’s transition to a more reliable and sustainable energy future”, Mr Jones says.
“Sustainable electricity generation is playing an increasingly important role in New Zealand. More energy production will help businesses grow, attract investment, strengthens regional economies, and creates jobs and opportunities for local communities.”
Mr Brown says the Government’s goal is abundant, affordable and reliable power for all New Zealanders.
“Fast-tracking the consenting process to encourage investment in new energy generation is a key part of that approach.
“Renewable energy projects like this play an important role in improving New Zealand’s energy security and delivering a more resilient and reliable electricity system.”
Notes to editor:
Fast-track by the numbers:
29 projects approved by expert panels.
18 projects with expert panels appointed.
60 projects are currently progressing through the Fast-track process. 30 active substantive and 30 referral applications.
65 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure.
149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval.
On average, it has taken 119 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope.
Fast-track projects approved by expert panels: 29
Arataki [Housing/Land]
Ashbourne [Housing/Land]
Ayrburn Screen Hub [Infrastructure]
Green Steel [Infrastructure]
Homestead Bay [Housing/Land]
Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]
Downtown Carpark Site Development [Housing/Land]
Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land]
Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying]
Haldon Solar Farm [Renewable energy]
Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying]
Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme [Renewable energy]
Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works [Renewable energy]
Māhinerangi Wind Farm [Renewable energy]
Maitahi Village [Housing/Land]
Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing/Land]
The Point Mission Bay [Housing/Land]
Pound Road [Housing/Land]
Rangitoopuni [Housing/Land]
Ryans Road [Housing/Land]
Southland Wind Farm Project [Renewable energy]
State Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus) [Infrastructure]
Sunfield [Housing/Land]
Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy]
Takitimu North Link – Stage 2 [Infrastructure]
Waihi North [Mining/Quarrying]
Waitaha Hydro [Renewable energy]
Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project [Infrastructure]
Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal [Infrastructure]
Expert panels have been appointed for: 18
188 Beaumont Street
Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills
Auckland Prison Capacity Increase
Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project
Bream Bay Sand Extraction Project
Central and Southern Block Mining Project
Delmore
Foxton Solar Farm
Hananui Aquaculture Project
Hunua Quarry Development
Mt Iron Junction
Mt Welcome, Pukerua Bay, Porirua
Northwest Rapid Transit
Southern Link Inland Port
Stella Passage Development
The Point Solar Farm
Twizel Solar Project
Waikanae North Development
