Kohirā Solar Farm
Kohirā
Kaitaia, Northland
Located in the Far North near Kaitaia, Kohirā was Aotearoa’s first utility-scale solar farm to supply the national grid. Constructed over a 12 month period, the 33 MWp farm achieved first generation in November 2023.
The agrivoltaic project brought together local iwi, communities, construction partners, and Lodestone’s team to deliver a solar farm that will continue to deliver clean renewable energy for decades to come.
As part of the project, 7 hectares of new native forest were planted.
Kohirā was gifted its name by Ngāti Rarawa iwi who welcomed the project and the benefits it brings to the region. Kohirā pronounced ‘core – he – raa’ translates to Suncatcher. Where ‘Kohi’ (verb) means to collect or gather and ‘rā’ means the sun.
Key facts about the Kohirā Farm
Started generating in Nov 2023
Producing
56 GWh energy annually
More than 60,000 solar panels
Includes 7 hectares of native reforestation
Kohirā in the news
Kohirā solar farm from above
Bi-facial panels track the sun’s movements
Panels are raised more than two metres from the ground, enabling machinery and livestock ease of use
Celebration of the plant commissioning in February 2023
Kohirā’s origin
Investing in the future
To get involved in clean renewable energy