Harmony Energy NZ Limited has applied to construct a solar farm in Te Aroha, Waikato. 

The project comprises: 

• solar panels, arrays, mounting structures, and poles covering approximately 182 hectares of the project site
• a power station
• underground electricity cables
• ancillary buildings, structures, and infrastructure
• landscaping
• a 7-hectare wetland to be created within the project site
• ancillary underground cabling from the solar farm to the boundary of the Waihou substation at 40 Mikkelsen Road, Te Aroha
• the operation of the solar farm to supply electricity to the national grid.

On 11 February 2022, Schedule 42 was inserted into the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Referred Projects Order 2020 (the referral order), by clause 4 of the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Referred Projects Amendment Order (No 3) 2021. 

This was to give effect to the above decision, pursuant to Section 26 of the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020. 

Schedule 42 of the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Referred Projects Order 2020 – New Zealand Legislation website