The Ryman Healthcare Solar Farm has officially gone live, marking a first for the retirement living sector in New Zealand with a dedicated, commercial-scale renewable energy source powering retirement villages nationwide.
Located in Maungatūroto, the solar farm is expected to generate around 32GWh of renewable electricity each year, with 100% of its output contracted to Ryman via the national grid. The generation capacity is equivalent to powering about 4,000 homes annually and is projected to remove approximately 3,200 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
Ryman Healthcare Chief Operating Officer Marsha Cadman said the project was a significant step toward the organisation’s science-based emissions reduction targets.
“We’re thrilled to see the solar farm up and running,” Ms Cadman said. “This gives us a stable, renewable and long-term energy source to help power our villages across Aotearoa New Zealand. It reduces our emissions, supports the national grid and helps us manage energy costs at a time when energy supply and costs are volatile.”
The $35 million project has been enabled through a sleeved power purchase agreement, which will ensure a reliable electricity supply by supplementing solar generation when output is low.
Electricity use across Ryman’s New Zealand villages was approximately 53 GWh in FY25, meaning the solar farm could meet around 66% of the organisation’s near-term electricity needs.
Ms Cadman said residents were increasingly seeking evidence of meaningful climate action from providers.
“Our residents want to know we’re doing our part for the future. This partnership is leadership in action, moving beyond rooftop panels to a purpose-built solar farm that delivers renewable energy at scale.”
The project was developed through a joint venture between Tupu Tonu, Harbour Infrastructure and Purpose Capital under the Maungatūroto Solar Farm Project Limited Partnership.
A spokesperson for the partnership said Ryman’s long-term commitment was critical in bringing the project to life.
Ms Cadman also acknowledged the support of local landowners, hapū Te Uri O Hau Settlement Trust, engineering partners and the Maungatūroto community, calling the project “the culmination of communities and industry working together towards a cleaner, more resilient energy future.”
