Solar Panel Installation Complete Ahead of Sold-Out Warriors Game
Go Media Stadium, New Zealand's best and busiest large venue, is once again making history by hosting the first ever solar-powered NRL match.
Installation for the solar panels began in January 2025 and they’re now finally operational. From this weekend, over 1,700 solar panels lining the East and West stands will start powering the stadium, generating around 800 MWh a year, which is equal to 60 per cent of the stadium’s total energy usage. It is the first stadium project of its kind in Aotearoa.
Recognition of Sustainability Practice
Due to this project, we have been named a finalist in the NZ Energy Excellence Awards, under the Low Carbon Future Award. The solar installation will not only lower the stadium’s carbon footprint but will also generate huge savings on energy spend each year, reducing the reliance on ratepayer funding. The investment is expected to pay for itself within six to eight years.
Venue Leadership & Innovation
Director of Auckland Stadiums, Tataki Auckland Unlimited – James Parkinson says,
“We are proud to host the NRL’s first ever solar powered match right here at Go Media Stadium, it makes this weekend’s sold-out match against the Panthers even more special. This has been a very innovative project and now that it’s complete, I think it shows what’s possible when venues lead from the front. It’s another big step forward for the stadium and something Auckland can be proud of.”
Carbon Reduction and Future Readiness
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Head of Climate Innovation and Sustainability Dr. Parin Rafiei-Thompson says,
“This initiative is an excellent step in helping a legacy venue switch to renewable energy sources. The solar array installation will help lower Go Media Stadium’s carbon emissions by 36 tonnes a year once fully operational. This project, along with the stadium’s move away from gas energy to state-of-the-art heat pumps, is a significant milestone in our drive to reduce carbon emissions across all of our venues.”
A Broader Commitment to Sustainability
Nick Hill, Chief Executive, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited says,
“This is testament to our commitment to creating a sustainable future for Auckland. By adding solar to one of our busiest and most iconic venues it ensures it is fit for purpose environmentally and suits the growing expectations of Aucklanders. This renewable energy project helps to contribute to Auckland Council’s wider goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030.”
More Solar Powered Events to Come
This weekend’s NRL game will be the first of many solar powered events, as the stadium looks ahead to a busy calendar of sport, concerts and more under its new clean energy system.