1695 days ago

We Say/You Say: Solar Farms

Reporter Whangārei Leader

Kia ora neighbours,

What do you think the next steps should be for decarbonisation?

Jacinda Ardern has officially opened what is going to be the largest solar farm in the country.

The 12 hectare site in Pukenui will contain 32,000 solar panels and is set to cost $30 million. The farm will generate enough electricity to power 3000 homes in the Far North.

Ardern acknowledged the difficulty to move away from fossil fuels. With hydro lake storage down, the country will turn to coal to fulfil winter energy needs.

"Removing fossil fuels from our electricity system is a big step, it requires major changes in the way we do things and investment in new technologies," she said.

The panels will last for 30 years before needing to be replaced as part of the scheme. Regular maintenance required to keep up to industry standards will create five full-time positions for the solar farm.

What do you think about the project? Share your thoughts below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments featured in the conversations section of the Whangārei Leader.

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21 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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4 hours ago

Step by step for a great cause!

Jane Mander Retirement Village

Our amazing Hillary Hikers from Edmund Hillary Village showed their support for Bowel Cancer New Zealand's Move Your Butt campaign this month!

Sporting the bright purple and orange campaign shirts, these wonderful walkers hit the Auckland waterfront and marched from Mission Bay to Kohimarama, raising awareness for bowel cancer and the importance of early detection along the way.

Click read more to read the full story.

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20 hours ago

🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?

Do you think you know the answer?

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