Newzealand-based Meridian Energy approved funding and construction for its first solar farm in New Zealand, the 130 MW Ruakākā Solar Farm near Whangārei. Construction was scheduled to begin in August 2025, with the $227 million project approved by the Meridian Board.  Ethical Power was selected to handle construction and maintenance. The farm was designed to generate up to 230 GWh of electricity annually, using 250,000 panels spread across an area the size of 170 rugby fields. It was located next to Meridian’s 100 MW Ruakākā Battery Energy Storage System. Generation was expected to begin in late 2026, with full operation by early 2027. The project formed part of Meridian’s $3 billion investment pipeline through 2030.