Hon Chris BishopMinister for InfrastructureHon Shane JonesMinister for Regional DevelopmentHon Simeon BrownMinister for Energy10 August 2026A Canterbury solar farm is the first in New Zealand to be granted fast-track approval. This is the 29th project and 7th renewable energy project to be approved through the Fast-track process. “Haldon Solar Farm near Lake Benmore, 14 km southeast of Twizel, is expected to generate 370 GWh of renewable energy annually, enough to power around 45,000 households,” says Mr Bishop. “Seven renewable projects have been approved so far under the Fast-track process, including four new projects: Waitaha Hydro, Southland Wind Farm, Mahinerangi Wind Farm, and Haldon Solar. “Renewable energy projects like this play an important role in improving New Zealand’s energy security and delivering a more resilient and reliable electricity system.”