Marton Solar Farm is a 40 MWp renewable energy development located on Whales Line, Marton, in the Rangitīkei District, on New Zealand’s North Island.
Once operational, the solar farm will produce approximately 46 GWh of clean electricity annually, enough to power up to 5,700 homes each year.
This project supports New Zealand’s transition to a low-carbon energy system by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Artist’s impression of Marton Solar Farm
Marton Harvest Festival CANCELLED – Sunday 12 April 2026
Due to inclement weather, the Marton Harvest Festival scheduled for April 2026 has been cancelled. As a result, the planned Marton Solar Farm project information stand will no longer proceed at the festival.
We are currently exploring opportunities to hold another community engagement event later this year. Further details will be shared once available, so please watch this space.
As the project moves toward pre-construction in 2026, we will:
We’re committed to strong, respectful relationships with the community, neighbouring landowners, and mana whenua, Te Rūnanga o Ngā Wairiki – Ngāti Apa.
Our engagement with Te Rūnanga o Ngā Wairiki – Ngāti Apa follows tikanga, and we will work with them to include appropriate protocols such as karakia at key project milestones and opportunities for collaboration.
We will engage with nearby neighbours to keep them informed as the project progresses from late-stage development through to construction.
We continue to engage with Rangitīkei District Council and Horizons Regional Council for the projects resource consents and project plans.
The Marton Solar Farm is a 40MW renewable energy project located at Whales Line, just north of Marton in the Rangitīkei District, North Island, New Zealand. The 38-hectare site will host fixed-tilt, north-facing solar panels to generate clean electricity for New Zealand homes and businesses.
The project is being developed by Aquila Clean Energy APAC, part of the Aquila Group.
The project has secured all required resource consents and is in the late stages of development. Environmental assessments and engagement with mana whenua, neighbours, and local councils have either commenced or will start prior to pre-construction in 2026.
The site was selected after a district-wide search based on:
Approximately 76,384 panels will be installed across 1,461 arrays, each with a maximum height of 2.25m.
Resource consents have been granted by Rangitīkei District Council (2024) and Horizons Regional Council (2024). Both were processed on a non-notified basis.
Up to 46 GWh of renewable electricity each year.
Enough to meet the average daily demand of approximately 14,000 homes or supply the annual energy needs of around 5,700 homes.
The solar farm will connect directly into Powerco’s 33 kV network via a dedicated connection point on Whales Line.
No. It will add renewable generation to the grid, helping improve supply resilience without affecting local reliability.
Specialist studies cover ecology, noise, visual impacts, stormwater, and cultural heritage.
The site is modified pasture with low ecological value. Trees will be planted along the permitter to provide screening and support biodiversity.
At Aquila Clean Energy, public safety is a core priority across every stage of our projects in New Zealand – from development and construction through to operations and maintenance. Guided by our Public Safety Management System and aligned with New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, Electricity Act 1992, and NZS 7901 industry standard, we are committed to identifying, assessing, and managing risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Our approach includes rigorous risk management processes, regular audits and reviews, emergency preparedness planning, clear site signage, secure asset design, and ongoing engagement with local communities, iwi, emergency services, and other stakeholders. We continuously monitor and improve our systems to help ensure our renewable energy assets operate safely and responsibly, protecting both people and property while supporting New Zealand’s clean energy future.
Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
Yes. Through the project’s EPC contractor, there will be 20-150 jobs across the project’s construction phases. There will be up to two ongoing roles through the operation and management for the life of the project.
Glint and glare will be managed by vegetation screening around the project perimeter.
For any additional info about Marton Solar Farm or to get in touch with us, please complete this form and someone from the team will contact you:
+6421545054
