Te Puna Mauri ō Omaru solar farm – Bringing power home
As we invest in renewable generation, our community-owned solar farm Te Puna Mauri ō Omaru powers 3,000 homes per year.
Puna Komaru solar farm
Location: Maungatapere, Whangārei
Start date: March 2026
Completion date: Expected December 2026
Project client: Northpower
Project partners: Te Parawhau, Beca, K&T Construction, Northdrill, Arup
Annual Report 2026
A locally owned source of clean energy
Northpower is investing in locally owned renewable generation with the construction of Puna Komaru solar farm in Maungatapere. As owner, developer and operator, we are delivering an 18MW capacity community‑owned asset that will strengthen energy resilience in Northland while supporting long‑term regional growth.
Puna Komaru is Northpower’s second solar farm investment, following the successful delivery of Te Puna Mauri ō Omaru in Ruawai. Once operational, it will generate approximately 27GWh of renewable energy annually — enough to power around 3,800 homes with clean electricity.
Kaitiakitanga in practice
Kaitiakitanga sits at the heart of the Puna Komaru project. Working in partnership with local hapū Te Parawhau from the earliest planning stages, we have ensured the whenua is respected and its mauri upheld throughout design and construction.
Specialist ecological surveys were undertaken to protect local biodiversity, including bat and lizard assessments ahead of earthworks and tree felling. Sediment and erosion controls were carefully implemented to protect nearby waterways, while native planting is being used to enhance surrounding wetlands and restore natural habitats.
Cultural heritage features such as volcanic stone walls have been preserved, ensuring the project protects the site’s historical significance while creating long‑term environmental benefit.
Managing safety and environmental risk
Delivering a project of this scale requires careful risk management to protect staff, partners, the public and the environment. Our project team worked closely with specialist partners, including ecologists and environmental advisors, to identify and manage construction risks before work began.
Controls were embedded into construction planning to manage earthworks safely, protect sensitive habitats and minimise disruption to the surrounding community. Regular site monitoring and collaboration across disciplines ensured environmental safeguards remained effective as the project progressed.
This integrated approach supported safe delivery while maintaining high environmental and cultural standards.
A name with meaning
The ingoa (name) Puna Komaru was gifted by Te Parawhau, reflecting the deep connection between place, people and energy. Meaning “the source of solar energy”, the ingoa acknowledges the natural environment and the role this project will play in supporting Northland’s energy future.
Puna Komaru represents more than new renewable generation – it reflects what can be achieved through strong partnerships, shared guardianship of the land and long‑term investment in local capability. Once commissioned, this community‑owned asset will deliver clean, reliable electricity for decades while supporting sustainable growth across the region.
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