New Zealand’s energy future will be built on innovation, collaboration, and investment at scale.
Pacific Channel has launched Fund V – a dedicated renewable energy fund targeting large-scale solar, wind, and battery energy storage projects across New Zealand. With an initial fund size of $30 million to $50 million and a five-year investment horizon, Fund V offers investors a unique opportunity to participate in ready-to-build projects that can generate early returns while supporting New Zealand’s transition to clean energy.
The fund partners with Kākāriki Renewable Developments (KRD), a specialist platform bringing together four highly experienced renewable energy developers:
- Energy Estate (Australia and NZ) – global renewable energy advisors and developers
- Elemental Group (New Plymouth) – leaders in wind and energy transition projects
- Tāmata Hauhā (New Zealand) – advancing projects in partnership with Māori landowners
- Regener8 Power (UK) – bringing extensive global experience in large-scale solar development and agrivoltaic (Agri-PV) systems
Together, these partners are delivering a pipeline of renewable energy projects strategically located near industrial hubs, data centres, and emerging clean-manufacturing precincts.
Fund V is a dedicated renewable-energy fund with a clear purpose - to invest in solar, wind, and battery storage projects,” said Richard Pinfold, Investment Banking Partner at Pacific Channel. “For investors, it’s an opportunity to gain immediate exposure to advanced projects that are already positioned to generate returns.
Watch the full video below to hear directly from the team shaping New Zealand’s renewable-energy future.
A nation ready to power its next century
Simon Currie, Director at Energy Estate, said the fund arrives at a critical moment.
“New Zealand faces an energy crisis. We have affordability and security challenges, yet we also have 268,000 kilometres of resource-rich land, abundant sun, and strong wind. Kākāriki brings together partners who share a commitment to creating projects that respect the land and help communities thrive for generations.”
Luke Panchal, also of Energy Estate, added that the initiative supports the sectors driving New Zealand’s economy.
“Our agricultural and primary industries need more energy to grow and compete globally. The Kākāriki portfolio provides large-scale, practical solutions to those large-scale challenges.”
Brett Rogers from Elemental Group described how Kākāriki’s projects combine farming and renewable generation.
“We’re a farming nation, and our solar farms are agri-solar - they’re still available for grazing. We’re farming energy on top of the land, aiming to produce six times the amount of renewable energy we do today. Battery storage is the key ingredient that makes it all work.”
Partnerships grounded in trust
Engagement with Māori landowners and local communities sits at the heart of Kākāriki’s model.
“We start by asking what the aspirations for the land are,” said Robin Paratene of Tāmata Hauhā. “It’s about supporting the whole community—creating employment, supporting marae, and generating enduring opportunities for Māori landowners and the regions around them.”
Rosie King of Energy Estate noted that success depends on trust.
“We prefer to talk about trust rather than social licence. Building trust means early, honest conversations with those impacted by a project. We want people to look back after construction and say it was worth it - for the jobs, the training, and the genuine partnerships that shared prosperity.”
A clear pathway for investors
Richard Pinfold said the portfolio provides investors with clarity and confidence.
“From landholder engagement to legal structures and consenting, Kākāriki is straightforward and transparent. It’s easy to understand and offers a clear route to exit.”
Simon Currie added that scale and stability define the opportunity.
“We’re delivering around four gigawatts of solar and wind, plus 2.5 gigawatts of storage in the first phase, with a long-term goal of ten. It’s an opportunity to invest at scale in New Zealand’s renewable-energy transition with long-term stability. We believe New Zealand will become a global destination for energy-intensive industries looking to operate sustainably.”
Pacific Channel Fund V represents the convergence of deep-tech investment and renewable-energy development -transforming New Zealand’s abundant natural resources into long-term, sustainable prosperity.
