Te Herenga o Te Rā
Te Herenga o Te Rā
Located in the sunny Bay of Plenty, Waiotahe is home to our third and largest utility-scale solar farm, Te Herenga o Te Rā. The farm achieved its first generation in December 2024 with commissioning work continuing in early 2025.
The breathtaking Te Herenga o Te Rā site borders the Waiotahe River in the Ōpōtiki District, and will generate enough power for more than 9,500 Kiwi homes each year.
Through an agrivoltaic design, Te Herenga o Te Rā will maximise the production of electricity while preserving the land for continued farming activities.
The farm’s name, Te Herenga o Te Rā, was gifted by local hapu Te Ūpokorehe, who have worked collaboratively with Lodestone on the project. The name has a fitting translation to ‘The mooring place of the sun’.
Key facts about Te Herenga o Te Rā
Started generating in Dec 2024
Producing 69 GWh energy annually
Operating more than 71,000 panels
Partnered in Kaitiakitanga with Tangata Whenua
A view of Te Herenga o Te Rā solar farm site from above
Te Herenga o Te Rā under mechanical construction in 2024
Construction begins in December 23 on Lodestone’s 3rd solar farm, Te Herenga o Te Rā, in Waiotahe
A ground breaking blessing brings together local iwi, community stakeholders and construction partners
Investing in the future
To get involved in clean renewable energy