We Say/You Say: Solar Farms
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.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73.1% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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17.4% Hmm, maybe?
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9.6% Yes!
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53% Yes
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47% No
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