Kaiaponi Farms will start up its major rooftop solar installation, atop its packhouse at Waerenga-a-Hika. The grower says it will be the biggest rooftop solar installation in the district. Photo / Supplied
Kaiaponi Farms will start up its major rooftop solar installation, atop its packhouse at Waerenga-a-Hika. The grower says it will be the biggest rooftop solar installation in the district. Photo / Supplied
Locally owned Tairāwhiti fruit grower, packer and distributor Kaiaponi Farms is preparing to switch on what it says is the region’s largest rooftop solar installation.
The 550kW system is made up of 988 panels on the roof of its fruit packing and coolstorage facility in Waerenga-a-Hika.
The company described itas a significant investment focused on energy resilience, cost control, and long-term sustainability.
“It has involved following more than 18 months of planning,” Kaiaponi Farms general manager Barton Witters said.
“The solar installation on the roof of our fruit packing and coolstorage facility will begin generating electricity in the coming weeks.
“Once operational, it will supply a substantial proportion of the site’s electricity demand.
“A system of this size is roughly enough to power about 100 average NZ homes for a year.”
Witters said the project builds on Kaiaponi’s continued investment in efficient infrastructure and emissions reduction, while reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Tairāwhiti region.
“The investment reflects both the economic pressures facing the horticulture sector and the strength of Kaiaponi’s grower relationships,” he said.
“Energy is a major input cost for our operation, and investments like this are about protecting the long-term viability of a local service offering.
“Local growers have put their trust in Kaiaponi to pack and distribute their fruit to domestic and export markets,
“This investment reflects those long-term partnerships.”
Witters said that, as a local employer, the company will also mark the project by contributing toward the power bills of 10 staff members during the upcoming packing season.
“This project would not have been possible without the expertise of our local Gisborne contractors — First Light Electrical, Moa Out East, Universal Engineering, and Gillies Electrical — all leaders in their respective fields.”
Meanwhile, the 2026 apple harvest is now underway across Tairāwhiti.
Apple season has started in Tairāwhiti. Kaiaponi Farm’s Chris Hermon and Peter Dagg (orchard and apple block managers), pictured with the first apple bins picked by the company in 2026. Photo / Supplied
“Kaiaponi expects to load multiple apple containers onto the first vessel bound for Asia this week.
“Our Gisborne apple production consistently delivers some of the earliest New Zealand fruit to market—a point of difference that growing in Tairāwhiti provides."
He said the 2026 New Zealand apple season was tracking relatively favourably, but challenges remained.
“Some international markets and specific varieties are under greater pressure than others.
“However, during this busy period, Kaiaponi plans to focus firmly on what is within its control - outgoing fruit quality, packhouse performance, and reliable execution for its growers and customers.”
