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1237 days ago

We Say/You Say: Solar Farms

Reporter Northern News

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 Northern News.

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More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.9% Yes
    82.9% Complete
  • 14.4% No
    14.4% Complete
  • 2.7% Other - I'll share below
    2.7% Complete
1242 votes
6 days ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

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When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 4.6% Second half of November
    4.6% Complete
  • 43.4% 1st December
    43.4% Complete
  • 17.7% A week before Christmas
    17.7% Complete
  • 33.3% Whenever you wish
    33.3% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
2400 votes
5 days ago

What's your favourite tomato recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.

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