On Friday, 26 September 2025, our team joined Puketapu Hapū for a dawn blessing to mark the opening of Te Matakupenga, New Plymouth Airport’s new solar farm. The ceremony was a powerful celebration of partnership, progress, and the shared vision to create a more sustainable future for Taranaki.
Developed in collaboration with New Plymouth District Council, and Puketapu Hapū, Te Matakupenga is a milestone project that will make the airport largely self-sufficient in energy use. The 15-hectare solar farm, has been developed in collaboration with several local labour and contractors. The new solar farm features 14,392 solar panels and is expected to generate up to 14,700 MWh of electricity each year, reducing carbon emissions by more than 1,500 tonnes annually. Once fully commissioned, the site will be managed by NewPower Energy and will continue to support grazing, ensuring the land remains both productive and respected.
Te Matakupenga represents the airport’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community collaboration — a shining example of what can be achieved when local partnerships work toward a shared vision.