A proposed 550,000-panel solar farm near Ranfurly has divided the Maniototo, but most of the more than 20 residents and public submitters who addressed a hearings panel this week voiced opposition.

Rose Voice, who lives on a property neighbouring the proposed site, was reduced to tears during her allocated speaking slot on Wednesday (August 20). 

She told the panel she was “grateful for the opportunity to be listened to for the first time in two years”.

Her husband Nigel said he feared the project would make their home and business “unviable”. 

He cited years of potential construction noise, dust, traffic and emotional toll before the visual impact even began.

“Both Helios Energy and the local consenting authority from the very start of this project have treated us as nothing more than collateral damage,” he said. 

“We’re being asked to carry the burden of a decision that benefits others while destroying what we have worked for.”

Resident Aimie Pont said the opposition was “not a case of nimbyism”. 

“This is a solar experiment,” she told the panel. 

“Are we sacrificing our world of difference to meet New Zealand’s renewable energy targets simply because we have good sun?”

Wedderburn resident and professional gardener Sarah Anderson described Helios’ planting plan as “farcical”. 

“It is a tough place to grow anything, even with care and water,” she said. 

“The height of some of the known structures far exceeds the growth rate of trees within the proposed life expectancy of the utilities.”

Vanessa O’Donnell questioned the economics, calling it “an ambitious plan to use rural land to make large profit, which could be axed any day”.

Fourth-generation sheep and beef farmer Ewan Carr said the solar farm would have “a range of significant and unacceptable adverse effects” on the rural character of the Maniototo.

Others spoke in favour. Local business owner Richard Smith described the project as a “double win” that would boost the economy and allow farming to continue. 

“Thanks for choosing the Maniototo,” he said, addressing Helios Energy. “Our future looks a lot brighter with the significant investment we’ll see.”

Energy sector commentator and Aurora whistleblower Richard Healey sat through much of the hearing, presenting his own submission on day two. 

Speaking to The Central App on Thursday, he stressed the scale of the project, calling it “huge” and capable of increasing the country’s solar generation by 50 per cent. 

“If you lay all the panels end to end they would stretch from Naseby to beyond Cape Reinga.”

After hearing community views, the panel turned to evidence from Central Otago District Council planning officer Adam Vincent, who recommended approval subject to dozens of conditions covering fire safety, ecology and visual screening.

The hearing opened on Tuesday (August 19) with expert evidence from Helios Energy, who framed the project as essential for meeting New Zealand’s renewable energy needs. 

If approved, the 300MW development could power the equivalent of 70,000 homes a year.

Public interest has been substantial, with 181 submissions lodged and more than three-quarters opposed.

The hearings panel, chaired by Louise Taylor, will now deliberate. 

A written decision, including reasons and consent conditions, will be released to the applicant and submitters in the coming weeks. 

Both sides will have the right to appeal to the Environment Court.

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