Feedback sought on potential solar energy proposal at West Melton Reserve
Environment Canterbury media release: 14th October 2026
You can now provide feedback on whether you think solar development should be enabled on council-held reserve land.
Environment Canterbury is exploring whether it should enable the development of a solar farm on the 2,700 hectares of reserve land it holds for flood protection between Yaldhurst and West Melton.
The likelihood of requiring the land for future flood protection works is assessed as low over the next 50 to 100 years.
However, Environment Canterbury would retain the right to access and use the land for flood protection and river management if required.
Environment Canterbury Chair Dr Deon Swiggs says no decisions have been made, and that community feedback will help inform Council’s final decision.
"We know many people care about renewable energy. And we also know this land has an important flood protection job to do - we want to hear the concerns as well as the support.
“We're exploring whether solar generation could be compatible with the flood protection purpose of this land and whether it could also deliver wider benefits for our communities, including helping reduce reliance on rates to fund this critical work," Chair Swiggs says.
Potential developer-led solar farm
Environment Canterbury is not proposing to develop, own or operate a solar farm itself. Instead, it is seeking feedback on whether a future change in land use could enable some land to be leased to a solar energy developer.
Under the proposal, areas identified as having high ecological value would not be developed. If it goes ahead, any future solar development will need to maintain the land's flood protection function and protect important ecological, cultural and archaeological values.
Possible benefits
The solar farm proposal is consistent with the Landholdings Strategy that ensures council-held land is being used for its highest and best use.
Director Corporate and Public Transport Services, Giles Southwell, says the revenue generated from solar would be considerably more than what the reserve land is providing currently through light grazing.
Initial assessments show just one hectare of solar infrastructure could generate energy for 140 homes and save about 90 tonnes of CO2 each year.
“A solar farm on the land could support energy resilience, contribute to renewable electricity generation, create additional revenue to help fund future flood protection work in the Waimakariri catchment,” he says.
Work that’s been done so far
Assessments completed to date have included legal, commercial, ecological, archaeological and flood risk reviews, alongside early engagement with mana whenua.
Initial findings indicate it may be possible to enable solar development on selected areas of the reserve while maintaining Environment Canterbury's flood protection responsibilities.
Next steps and how to share your feedback
Alongside public engagement, Environment Canterbury is testing market interest, completing further ecological assessments, and continuing to work closely with mana whenua. Council is expected to consider the matter in February 2027.
"We're asking people to share their views, local knowledge, and to tell us the factors Council should consider before making a final decision,” Mr Southwell says.
Community feedback is now open on the solar proposal. The survey closes on Monday 30th November 2026.
Share your views on the proposed land use change for solar energy generation at West Melton Reserve.