14 September 2026

Solar farm planned for Hawke’s Bay Airport: what it means for Westshore

Our neighbours at the airport are planning one of the region’s larger solar farms. Here’s what’s proposed, where it’s at, and how locals can stay involved.

Hawke’s Bay Airport is one of Westshore’s closest neighbours, so when it plans something big, we want our community to hear about it too. Last month, Ben Hutton, the airport’s Head of Marketing, Communications and Stakeholders, came to our committee meeting to brief us on plans for a solar farm on airport land. Those plans are now public, so here’s a summary.

What’s proposed

The airport is proposing a 12–17 megawatt (MW) solar farm on a 24-hectare block of its land northwest of the runways. Once running, it could produce about as much electricity in a year as roughly 3,000 Hawke’s Bay homes use.

This is a scaled-back version of an earlier idea. The airport and Manawa Energy (now owned by Contact Energy) previously looked at a much larger 45MW development, but both agreed it wasn’t the right fit. The airport is now focusing on a smaller project that suits its long-term needs.

Why the airport is doing it

Aviation is expected to rely much more on electricity in the coming decades, possibly up to 20 times more than today by 2050, as electric and hybrid aircraft arrive. Airport CEO Nick Flack says the solar farm would help the airport keep serving the airlines that connect our region, and would support Hawke’s Bay’s move to a more resilient energy future.

After Cyclone Gabrielle, many of us know how much local, reliable infrastructure matters.

Where things are at

No final decision has been made. In August the airport invited companies to express interest in building, running and possibly co-investing in the project. That expression of interest period has now closed. Over the next year the airport will work through feasibility, engineering, consents and cultural and community engagement.

The airport has acknowledged input so far from Mana Ahuriri Trust, Unison and other local organisations.

Staying informed

Because the project includes a community engagement workstream, Westshore residents can expect chances to ask questions and give feedback as plans develop. The committee will keep sharing updates as we hear them.

You can read more at the airport’s solar farm page: www.hawkesbay-airport.co.nz/solar