June Newsletter

June 2026

 The Change Everyone’s Talking About…

There's plenty happening in Maungatapere this month! Inside, you'll find updates on the exciting progress of the Puna Komaru Solar Farm, improvements to local community facilities, and a roundup of upcoming events and activities.

We're also encouraging everyone to have their say on what makes Maungatapere special as Whangarei District Council seeks community feedback to help shape the future of our area.

We hope you enjoy catching up on the latest local news and opportunities to connect with our wonderful community.

Puna Komaru Solar Farm Continues to Take Shape

If you've driven along SH14 recently, you've probably noticed significant activity at the new Puna Komaru Solar Farm site. Construction is progressing well, with major milestones being achieved across the project.

Earthworks, drainage, roading and trenching are now well advanced, while piling has been completed in the first construction zone and continues across other areas of the site. One of the most exciting developments is that solar panel installation has officially begun, with crews successfully installing around 500 panels each day and the first section completed ahead of schedule.

The next stage of the project will see electrical works commence, while planting plans are also underway. Native trees and plants will be established around the site boundaries, beginning along SH14 and the northern edge of the property. Thanks to the area's fertile volcanic soil, strong growth is expected once planting begins.

Did You Know?

The solar farm has been designed to support sheep grazing beneath the panels once construction is complete. This approach allows the land to serve two purposes—producing renewable energy while continuing agricultural use. Similar arrangements have already been successfully operating at the company's solar farm in Ruawai, where sheep have been grazing among the panels for nearly a year.

With construction progressing smoothly and more solar panels appearing each week, Puna Komaru is becoming an exciting new addition to the Maungatapere landscape and a significant step toward generating renewable energy for Northland.

Exciting Upgrades Underway at the Maungakahia Complex

There’s exciting progress happening at the Maungakahia Complex, with a major upgrade to the Kerehunga Road-side car park now underway thanks to support from Whangarei District Council.

This long-awaited project will transform the existing car park into a safer, more practical, sealed space for the many community members, visitors, and groups who use the Complex throughout the year.

Work commenced in late May and will be completed in stages over approximately 10 weeks. The first phase focuses on the area alongside the Complex building and public toilets. Importantly, access to the remaining car park area and the public toilet facilities will remain available during this stage of the project.

The Maungakahia Complex team extends its thanks to the community for their patience and cooperation while the work is carried out. These improvements will help ensure the Complex remains a safe, accessible, and welcoming hub for everyone who enjoys this valuable community facility.

We look forward to seeing the finished result and the benefits it will bring to the wider Maungakahia community for years to come.

Love it here? Tell us about it

We’ve been contacted by the council about putting together a “Visit My Village” blog to help showcase the heart and soul of our community — and we’d love your help to tell the story properly

We know what makes our village special isn’t just the scenery… it’s the people, the hidden gems, the favourite coffee spots, the community traditions, and the little things locals love most.

We would LOVE to hear your thoughts on any of the questions below:

Why do you love living in our village?

What are your top three must-do’s?

What/where is your favourite walk in the area, and why? Where’s the best place to grab a coffee?

What’s your favourite café, and what do you order?

Any local artists people should know about?

What is your favourite thing to do with your family or kids?

Any fun facts about our area?

Why should someone visit our village this summer?

What does your perfect Saturday or weekend here look like?

Any other recommendations — even in wider Whangārei?

Whether it’s a hidden swimming hole, the best muffin in town, a scenic backroad walk, or just the feeling of community here — we want to hear your feedback here.

Whats on?