Resident and former Southland district councillor Bruce Ford was caught off-guard by the last-minute announcement of the event.
Mr Ford had championed an alternate power supply to be established on the island for the past 40 years — raising the viability of using renewable in the 1980s
He later actively took part in early renewable energy trials for wind and solar as well hydro and a submarine cable option that would connect the island to the mainland’s grid.
While flying off the island on Tuesday, he had seen large machinery movements, but was unsure what they were for.
He acknowledged his long involvement with the project but declined to comment about the lack of notification.
‘‘I’ll hold my tongue ... I could be very blunt and cheeky, but you’re not supposed to do that ... I’ll be polite in the meantime because I’d probably swear otherwise.’’
Regional Development Associate Minister Mark Patterson turned the first sod at the ceremony, followed by a public meeting and lunch for invited guests, including Southland District Mayor Rob Scott.
Despite Mr Ford not being invited to the event, his efforts were acknowledged by Mr Scott in his speech.
‘‘He was grateful that I rung him.
‘‘He received [the apology] like the gentleman he his — he received it well.
‘‘Bruce Ford has been instrumental for the foundation for everything on that island.
‘‘He’s still a pivotal part, even in his retirement.’’
Mr Scott put the oversight down to human error.
‘‘There was no malice around it.
‘‘I know that Bruce is held in high regard in council and the community.’’
The solar farm project is being run by the council, working with the Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board, and the Stewart Island Electrical Supply Authority’s operations and maintenance contractor NZ Energy.
Infratec, which will build the solar farm, aims to have it commissioned in January 2027.
Councillor for Stewart Island/Rakiura Jon Spraggon said the turf-turning had brought a strong sense of relief and evidence of some momentum after years of delay.
‘‘At long last, we’re seeing progress.
‘‘It’s been a journey and a half.’’
The solar farm is being constructed on 2ha at the island’s former gun club on Airport Rd and will accommodate an estimated 3000 solar panels.
The solar farm and battery system, along with electricity network upgrades and smart meters is expected to cut power prices by up to 35 cents per kilowatt hour and reduce diesel use for power generation by up to 75%.
The new infrastructure will reduce the island’s reliance on diesel-powered generators.
Mr Patterson said the construction reflected the strong community support and planning.
The construction is expected to support about 40 full time-equivalent jobs.
Mr Spraggon said he expected the additional workers on the island would provide a small boost to the economy that had been hammered by soaring diesel prices.
Mr Ford said while the farm would alleviate pressure on the island’s diesel reliance, it would not solve all of the energy issues.
‘‘We have coal ranges — we’ve got to buy coal.
‘‘We have diesel heating, we have LPG for cooking.
‘‘It’s not all just electricity,’’ Mr Ford said.
‘‘It’s all very well having solar and some other methodology, but certainly there’s still a bit more to do.’’
- Toni McDonald
