The Ryman Healthcare Solar Farm officially went live yesterday, making Ryman the first retirement operator in New Zealand to secure a dedicated commercial-scale renewable energy source for its villages.
Located in Maungatūroto, the solar farm will generate around 32GWh of renewable electricity each year, with 100% of its output contracted for Ryman via the national grid.
The energy generated is equivalent to powering about 4,000 homes annually and will remove approximately 3,200 tonnes of emissions each year.
Ryman’s Chief Operating Officer, Marsha Cadman, said the milestone reflected the organisation’s continued progress towards its science-based emission reduction targets.
“We’re thrilled to see the solar farm up and running. This solar farm gives us a stable, renewable and long-term energy source to help power our villages across Aotearoa New Zealand.
“It reduces our emissions, supports the national grid, and helps us manage energy costs at a time when energy supply and costs are volatile.”
The $35 million project has been enabled through a sleeved power purchase agreement with Mercury, which will ensure a reliable supply to villages by supplementing solar output when generation is low.
Electricity usage across Ryman’s New Zealand villages was approximately 53GWh in FY25, meaning the solar farm could supply around 66% of near-term future needs.
Marsha said residents increasingly expected providers to take meaningful action on climate change.
“Our residents want to know we’re doing our part for the future. This partnership is leadership in action, moving beyond rooftop panels to a purpose-built solar farm that delivers renewable energy at scale.”
The solar farm was borne out of a joint venture between Tupu Tonu, Harbour Infrastructure and Purpose Capital. The three parties have come together under a limited partnership called Maungatūroto Solar Farm Project Limited Partnership.
A spokesperson for the Partnership said Ryman’s commitment was crucial to the project proceeding.
“We are delighted to see the Ryman Healthcare Solar Farm come to life. This partnership shows what’s possible when organisations commit to long-term renewable energy solutions.”
Marsha acknowledged the support of local landowners, hapū Te Uri O Hau Settlement Trust, engineering partners and the Maungatūroto community.
“This solar farm is the culmination of hapū, communities, landowners and industry working together towards one goal.
“We’re proud to be powering our villages, and the national grid with cleaner, more resilient energy.”