Solar farm developer denies gaming the fast-track system
Friday 2 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
Far North Solar Farm Ltd has been accused by local community members of gaming the fast-track system by suspending its application for a Mackenzie development. The company maintains it has been transparent and states that pausing the project was necessary to allow more time for ecological work.
Key facts
4 facts
- Proposed 40-megawatt solar farm at Lake Benmore, Mackenzie District
- Far North Solar Farm Ltd is owned and directed by Richard Homewood
- Application suspended by the Environmental Protection Authority
- FNSF has 100 working days to pay outstanding costs
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Far North Solar Farm Ltd (FNSF) has denied accusations that it is gaming the fast-track system after suspending an application for a large-scale solar farm. The developer, owned and directed by Richard Homewood, proposed a 40-megawatt photovoltaic solar farm along the northern shore of Lake Benmore in the Mackenzie District.
On 19 August, Homewood informed the fast-track panel that FNSF would not pay outstanding invoices, stating that non-payment was the sole method to secure more planning time before an 31 August deadline for expert information. The Environmental Protection Authority has since suspended the application's processing, noting that FNSF has 100 working days to settle outstanding costs.
Mary Murdoch, representing a local community group, claimed the company was misusing the process and suggested FNSF had previously suspended an application in Wairarapa to slow proceedings. Murdoch stated, “They do appear to be gaming the system and not using it as intended”.
FNSF denied these claims, asserting that suspension is a transparent mechanism under the Fast Track Approvals Act to allow for necessary ecology research. The company clarified that the Wairarapa project underwent an individual Environment Court process and was not suspended. A spokesperson said the suspension was necessary to address panel requests regarding bird and ecology risks, including species-specific assessments and monitoring protocols.
Compiled from reports by The Press and Stuff.
