A Canterbury solar farm is the first in New Zealand to be granted fast-track approval.<\/p>\n
This is the 29th project and 7th renewable energy project to be approved through the Fast-track process.<\/p>\n
Lodestone Energy Limited lodged its application in September 2025, with approval taking around eight months since the appointment of an independent expert panel. <\/p>\n
“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. <\/p>\n
“Reliable renewable electricity generation is critical to supporting economic growth and regional resilience.”<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“The project represents a major investment in Canterbury and will help drive regional economic growth while advancing New Zealand\u2019s transition to a more reliable and sustainable energy future”, Mr Jones says.<\/p>\n
\u201cSustainable 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Brown says the Government\u2019s goal is abundant, affordable and reliable power for all New Zealanders.<\/p>\n
\u201cFast-tracking the consenting process to encourage investment in new energy generation is a key part of that approach.<\/p>\n
\u201cRenewable energy projects like this play an important role in improving New Zealand\u2019s energy security and delivering a more resilient and reliable electricity system.\u201d<\/p>\n
Notes to editor: <\/p>\n
Fast-track by the numbers:<\/p>\n
29 projects approved by expert panels.
\n18 projects with expert panels appointed.
\n60 projects are currently progressing through the Fast-track process. 30 active substantive and 30 referral applications.
\n65 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure.
\n149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval.
\nOn average, it has taken 119 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope.<\/p>\n
Fast-track projects approved by expert panels: 29<\/p>\n
Arataki [Housing\/Land]
\nAshbourne [Housing\/Land]
\nAyrburn Screen Hub [Infrastructure]
\nGreen Steel [Infrastructure]
\nHomestead Bay [Housing\/Land]
\nBledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]
\nDowntown Carpark Site Development [Housing\/Land]
\nDrury Metropolitan Centre \u2013 Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing\/Land]
\nDrury Quarry Expansion \u2013 Sutton Block [Mining\/Quarrying]
\nHaldon Solar Farm [Renewable energy]
\nKings Quarry Expansion \u2013 Stages 2 and 3 [Mining\/Quarrying]
\nKaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme [Renewable energy]
\nLake P\u016bkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works [Renewable energy]
\nM\u0101hinerangi Wind Farm [Renewable energy]
\nMaitahi Village [Housing\/Land]
\nMilldale \u2013 Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing\/Land]
\nThe Point Mission Bay [Housing\/Land]
\nPound Road [Housing\/Land]
\nRangitoopuni [Housing\/Land]
\nRyans Road [Housing\/Land]
\nSouthland Wind Farm Project [Renewable energy]
\nState Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus) [Infrastructure]
\nSunfield [Housing\/Land]
\nTekapo Power Scheme \u2013 Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy]
\nTakitimu North Link \u2013 Stage 2 [Infrastructure]
\nWaihi North [Mining\/Quarrying]
\nWaitaha Hydro [Renewable energy]
\nWait\u0101kere District Court \u2013 New Courthouse Project [Infrastructure]
\nWellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal [Infrastructure]<\/p>\n
Expert panels have been appointed for: 18<\/p>\n
188 Beaumont Street
\nAlternative to the Brynderwyn Hills
\nAuckland Prison Capacity Increase
\nBendigo-Ophir Gold Project
\nBream Bay Sand Extraction Project
\nCentral and Southern Block Mining Project
\nDelmore
\nFoxton Solar Farm
\nHananui Aquaculture Project
\nHunua Quarry Development
\nMt Iron Junction
\nMt Welcome, Pukerua Bay, Porirua
\nNorthwest Rapid Transit
\nSouthern Link Inland Port
\nStella Passage Development
\nThe Point Solar Farm
\nTwizel Solar Project
\nWaikanae North Development<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A Canterbury solar farm is the first in New Zealand to 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