Investigating a sustainable energy future for Rakiura

Southland District Council (SDC) has been investigating potential sites for solar farm development on Stewart Island as part of the Rakiura Energy Project – an initiative exploring alternatives to diesel-powered electricity generation on the island since 2023.

Pattle Delamore Partners (PDP) was commissioned to conduct site investigations across three proposed locations, each ranging from 1.5 to 3.0 hectares. Each site either has a history of use or is located near areas associated with Hazardous Activities and Industries List (HAIL) activities, adding a layer of complexity to the assessment process.

For one of the sites, we completed a detailed contamination investigation, assessing for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals and metalloids, and asbestos. The investigation was delivered within the same month the contract was awarded and mobilisation began – a tight timeframe that required careful coordination from the outset.

The project was led by our Invercargill office, supported by contaminated land and HAIL assessment specialists from our Otago and Auckland offices. This cross-regional collaboration reflects our ability to rapidly deploy the right expertise wherever it’s needed across Aotearoa, combining local presence with deep technical knowledge.

Our work on the Rakiura Energy Project supported SDC in making confident, informed decisions about the future of solar farm development on the island – a meaningful contribution to the shift away from diesel dependency and towards a more sustainable energy future for Stewart Island.