A 179MW solar farm planned for Glorit, on the Kaipara Coast north of Kaukapakapa, has been granted resource consent and a notice of requirement by an independent panel, clearing the way for one of Auckland’s largest renewable energy developments.

The Glorit solar farm will span 283 hectares of a 300-hectare site and include an energy storage system, a 33kV transmission line, and a new substation.

Once operational, it’s expected to generate enough electricity to power around 33,000 homes each year.

Developed by Lightsource bp and Contact Energy in partnership with Transpower, the project has an expected lifespan of at least 35 years.

The consent decision comes 150 working days after the application was lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority, which managed the process but did not make the final call.

Assessed under the now-repealed Natural and Built Environment Act 2023, rather than the newer fast-track legislation, the project marks a significant investment in local renewable infrastructure.

For the Hibiscus Coast and surrounding areas, it’s another sign of momentum in the shift toward cleaner, more reliable energy that will strengthen Auckland’s grid and support future growth.

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