News from the Northern Advocate today:

Meridian Energy's first solar farm is underway in Ruakākā, with panels being installed on mounts. Project manager Robert Batters says about 27,000 metal piles for the mounting structures have been driven into the ground, with 60,000 to go. Weed removal in the wetland habitat restoration area is also in progress, preparing for native planting over winter. The solar farm is expected to start generating power later this year and be fully finished in 2027.