An independent hearing panel has approved Helios’ application to build a large-scale solar farm between Naseby and Ranfurly, despite strong community debate over its impact on the rural landscape. 

The 300-megawatt development, containing more than half-a-million solar panels, will operate for 35 years with sheep grazing continuing beneath its panels.

In its decision, the panel said the benefits outweighed the concerns raised in more than 180 submissions. 

“Potential adverse effects of the proposal are either no more than minor; minimised to the extent practicable or are otherwise suitably avoided, remedied, [or] mitigated by the imposition of appropriate conditions of consent,” the decision stated.

It also highlighted the role the project would play in New Zealand’s transition to clean energy.  

“The provision of large scale renewable energy generation provides significant positive effects at a regional and national level, playing a role in supporting New Zealand’s phase out of current fossil fuel generation as well as providing needed new electricity generation capacity.” 

While acknowledging the unease of residents concerned about the scale of the project, the panel said expert evidence was clear. 

“While the lived experience of several submitters who raised concerns about the impact the solar farm may have on the site and the Māniatoto Plain more generally was useful and carefully considered, the expert evidence was consistent that effects can be suitably mitigated.”

Sixty-one conditions have been imposed, covering construction, operations, ecology, and decommissioning. Among the most notable are: 

• Neighbour engagement: Helios must appoint a contact person, notify neighbours before piling and other noisy work, and keep a public complaints register.
• Fire safety: A fire management plan must be developed with Fire and Emergency NZ, requiring perimeter firebreaks, dedicated water storage, and grass height to be maintained by grazing and mowing.
• Visual mitigation: Extensive shelterbelt and native planting must be carried out, with a minimum 80 percent survival rate. Temporary exotic species will be used to provide quicker screening until natives establish. Helios must also offer up to 50 specimen trees to be planted on a neighbouring Ranfurly Back Road property.
• Wildlife protection: Nesting bird surveys will be required during breeding season, with exclusion zones enforced if necessary. A bird collision monitoring programme must run for at least three years. Wetlands on site must be enhanced and protected by setback planting. 
• Glint and glare controls: Panels must be kept at a maximum rest angle of 10 degree until vegetation screens reach a minimum height, and a Glint and Glare Management Plan must outline how complaints will be investigated.
• Community fund: Within 40 working days of becoming operational, Helios must establish a community fund to support local sustainability, education, and energy hardship initiatives.
• Decommissioning: Before the consent expires, plan must be prepared for removing equipment, recycling panels, and restoring the land.
• Ongoing review: Central Otago District Council has the right to review conditions in the early years of the project and then every five years. 

While some submitters, alongside council planner Adam Vincent, pushed for Helios to pay a bond to the council, arguing it would protect the community if the site was abandoned, no such bond has been required of the energy company.

During the hearing, Helios argued a bond was unnecessary due to lease agreements with landowners already requiring a bond between the parties.

The panel decided not to require a separate bond with the council. Instead, it imposed a condition that Helios must provide evidence to the council that lease agreements with landowners include decommissioning security obligations.

The council’s decision letter said submitters have 15 days to appeal the decision or any part of it, under certain circumstances.

The public hearing took place at the Ranfurly Rugby Clubrooms over three days in August.  

The panel was comprised of Louise Taylor (chair), Ros Day-Cleavin and Gary Rae.

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