Ngāti Awa Blesses and Names the Project
The Omeheu Solar Farm has officially been launched following a blessing by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, who gifted the project its name in recognition of the area’s cultural significance and the way the land sustained the people of Ngāti Awa for generations.
The blessing marked the beginning of an important partnership between the project developers and Ngāti Awa, founded on a shared commitment to sustainability, renewable energy and creating long-term benefits for the local community.
Delivering Renewable Energy for New Zealand
Located near Edgecumbe in the Bay of Plenty, the 38 MW Omeheu Solar Farm will generate enough renewable electricity to power more than 6,000 New Zealand homes once operational.
Supporting Local Communities
Beyond generating renewable electricity, the project is committed to creating lasting benefits for the local community.
In partnership with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, the project will deliver a rooftop solar installation at Te Manuka Tūtahi Marae in Whakatāne, supporting the marae’s sustainability aspirations while contributing to lower energy costs.
Designed with the Environment in Mind
The Omeheu Solar Farm will comprise approximately 68,000 solar panels mounted on low-profile tracking structures across the site.
The project has been carefully designed to minimise environmental and visual impacts. Native planting around the perimeter will help screen the development over time, while the layout allows natural drainage and rainfall infiltration to continue across the whenua.
Looking Ahead
Early works are set to commence later this year, with construction to start in 2025.
The Omeheu Solar Farm represents another important step in expanding New Zealand’s renewable energy generation and reflects the value of working collaboratively with iwi, local communities and project partners to deliver infrastructure that provides lasting environmental, social and economic benefits.
