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Stewart Island's first solar farm broke ground today, marking the start of construction that will slash the island's crushing electricity costs by up to 75%.
Associate Minister of Regional Development Mark Patterson and Southland District Council Mayor Rob Scott turned the ceremonial first sod at the former gun club site on Airport Road, watched by about 40 residents and stakeholders.
Mayor Scott scooped a small piece of turf into a jar, promising to replace it when the project finishes. "This project isn't about fixing something that's broken," he told a packed community meeting at the Pavilion later. "It's about building on what's already here. It's not my project, it's not the minister's project, it's your project."
The timing couldn't be more urgent. Stewart Island residents currently pay 89 cents per kilowatt hour — 240% more than mainland New Zealanders. That punishing rate stems from the island's total reliance on diesel generators to power its 494 permanent connections through the Stewart Island Electrical Supply Authority.
Minister Patterson called it "a really significant day for this community" but didn't sugarcoat the situation. "The majesty of living in this extraordinary place does come with a cost." The "uncomfortable truth" was that running off diesel generators wasn't how the government saw the island's future.
The 2-hectare solar farm will house roughly 3,000 panels when Infratec completes construction in January 2027. The $15.35 million first stage includes a 2-megawatt solar array, 4-megawatt battery system, and network upgrades — all funded through a government suspensory loan announced in June 2025.
Regional Public Service Commissioner Steph Voight said the connection between people and environment ran deep on the island. "Today we celebrate partnership, progress … and a future that doesn't rely on diesel."
The economics are compelling. Once operational, the solar panels will feed electricity directly into the network and batteries, with diesel generators kicking in only when demand exceeds solar capacity. The batteries can store six hours of the island's average energy needs, making the transition between power sources seamless.
Infratec general manager development and delivery Chris Service highlighted the company's experience building micro-grid solar plants across New Zealand and Tonga. "It's a pretty exciting project for us … we're really keen to take you on the journey with us."
Mayor Scott acknowledged the work of former Stewart Island district councillor Bruce Ford, who started the search for an energy solution years ago. The project runs through Southland District Council, working with the Stewart Island Community Board and maintenance contractor NZ Energy.
For an island community that has watched diesel costs fluctuate wildly while paying multiples of mainland electricity rates, today's groundbreaking represents more than ceremony. It's the start of energy independence.