By contrast, New Zealand’s process can involve up to eight layers of approval and five separate site visits from four different entities. Plug-in solar units, which can be plugged into a standard power socket, are currently illegal in New Zealand despite being permitted in several other countries. On plug-in solar, it recommends legalising units of up to 800W, bringing New Zealand into line with several European countries and some Australian states. At the utility scale, New Zealand’s solar pipeline has expanded rapidly since then, with Harmony Energy and Igneo Infrastructure Partners energising the 202MWp Tauhei Solar Farm in the Waikato region in July 2026, now the country’s largest operational solar installation. Those benefits arise from reduced delays, lower installation costs, more efficient regulatory processes and the legalisation of plug-in solar.