Kākāriki is developing a large portfolio of strategically located solar, wind, and storage projects in key regions across New Zealand with a vision to accelerate the transformation of the energy sector
Projects Overview
Kākāriki is advancing a large-scale portfolio of strategically located solar, wind, and storage projects across New Zealand, focused on regions where new generation and capacity are most needed. By targeting areas with strong renewable resources, growing demand, and grid capacity constraints, our projects are designed to support system resilience, enable decarbonisation, and accelerate regional electrification. This portfolio reflects our commitment to delivering clean energy infrastructure that aligns with both national energy goals and local development priorities.
Phase 1 Projects
Ngā Hihi Kānapanapa
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Ngā Hihi Kanapanapa is a proposed 100 MW solar and battery project on low-grade farmland southwest of Hastings, with potential to power over 23,700 homes annually.
The site offers strong solar resource, grid access, and transport links.
Taringatura Hills
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Taringatura Hills Wind Farm is a proposed 346 MW wind project north of Invercargill, with the capacity to power 160,000 homes annually and support local developments. The site benefits from strong wind resource and grid access.
Lake Waikare
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Lake Waikare Floating Solar is a 170 MW project planned on Lake Waikare near Te Kauwhata, capable of powering over 41,000 homes annually while minimising land use and ecological disruption.
Located on a lake impacted by water quality challenges, the project offers strong solar potential and grid access, with further environmental, cultural, and stakeholder assessments underway.
Titoki
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Titoki Wind Farm is a proposed 266 MW project spanning Hawke's Bay and Manawatū-Whanganui, with the potential to power over 117,500 homes annually through strong regional wind resources.
O Tu Pokai (formerly Awakeri)
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Awakeri Solar Farm is a 77 MW and 50 MW BESS project near the Whakatāne River, designed to harness strong solar resources and power 19,000 homes annually from a low-impact, flat terrain site.
With excellent access, proximity to the grid, and potential to support regional clean energy goals, Awakeri is positioned for responsible and scalable development.
Mākakahi
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Mākakahi Wind Farm is an 86 MW project between Pahiatua and Eketāhuna, designed to harness strong wind resources and power over 44,000 homes annually.
With solid grid access and proximity to key infrastructure like Te Utanganui, Makakahi offers a scalable opportunity for clean energy generation on low-productivity land.
Grays Hills (formerly Mackenzie Basin)
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Mackenzie Basin Solar Farm is a landmark 600 MW+ solar and battery project near Twizel, with the capacity to power over 128,000 homes annually and support major regional developments like e-fuels and data centres.
With exceptional solar resource, grid access, and scalability, the project is positioned for national impact while balancing environmental and amenity considerations.
Kaukapakapa
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Kaukapakapa Solar Farm is a 50 MW solar project north of Auckland, designed to provide clean power close to major demand centres. Its strategic location and scale make it a valuable contributor to regional supply while supporting New Zealand’s renewable energy ambitions.
Reporoa
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Reporoa Solar Farm is an 25 MW Solar and BESS development that will generate renewable electricity for communities and industry. The project combines high solar resource with strong grid connection potential, advancing decarbonisation in one of New Zealand’s growing demand regions.
Pipeline Projects
We are continually working on scoping and developing new pipeline projects to deliver a further portfolio of renewable projects strategically positioned around resources, regional demand, grid accessibility and responsible co-existence.
To learn more about our pipeline of projects and explore opportunities to be part of the journey, contact us at info@kakarikirenewables.com
Hawkes Bay
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The Hawkes Bay BESS is a 300 MW large-scale storage project that will provide firming capacity and system flexibility. Strategically located in a high-demand region, it will enable greater integration of renewables and support security of supply during peak demand.
Makarewa
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Makarewa Energy Hub is a landmark 500 MW solar and 500 MW battery project in Southland, positioned to deliver firm renewable power. With its scale and storage capability, it can support industrial users, enable electrification, and strengthen system resilience nationwide.
Lake Waahi
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Lake Waahi Solar Farm is a 100 MW solar project located in the Waikato, designed to supply low-emissions power to households, industry, and the local grid. Its central location and scale position it to play a key role in decarbonising the region’s energy mix.
Timaru
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The Timaru BESS project is a large-scale battery energy storage system in Timaru, New Zealand designed to support the local electricity network by storing energy and releasing it when required. It is intended to improve grid reliability, enable better use of renewable generation, and help manage peak demand and network constraints in the Timaru region.
Taranaki
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The Taranaki BESS is a proposed 250 MW storage hub in the Taranaki region, providing fast-response capacity to balance supply and demand and support local industries. Its scale and location make it a cornerstone for integrating more renewables into the North Island grid and ensuring reliable supply.
Central North Island
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Central North Island Wind Farm is a proposed 396 MW project harnessing the strong local wind resources. Capable of powering hundreds of thousands of homes, it combines scale, proven wind conditions, and excellent grid access to deliver significant national benefits.