Key Points:
- Energy Fund: Pacific Channel Fund V will fund development of Kākāriki’s national portfolio of large-scale wind, solar, and storage projects in high-demand growth regions across New Zealand.
- Strategically located portfolio: Projects are positioned close to industrial centres and future energy-intensive users, maximising impact and value creation.
Media Statement:
Leading venture capital company, Pacific Channel has launched Fund V, a Renewable Energy Development Fund, arising from its work with Tāmata Hauhā, to support the continued development of Kākāriki’s large scale renewable energy and storage infrastructure projects across New Zealand.
New Zealand faces an urgent challenge. The country’s electricity system must expand rapidly over the next decade to meet surging demand from industrial decarbonisation, electrification of transport, the retirement of coal and gas generation, and the emergence of new energy-intensive industries such as data centres and renewable fuel producers.
Kākāriki is directly addressing this challenge with a national portfolio of seven wind, solar and storage projects in development, strategically located near industrial centres and future high-demand users. A further 18 projects are in the broader pipeline.
Formed as a JV, Kākāriki is a renewable energy platform formed by the following local and global companies with a successful track record of developing large renewable energy projects - Energy Estate (Australia), Elemental Group (New Zealand), Regener8 Power (United Kingdom) and Tāmata Hauhā (New Zealand).
Pacific Channel Partner Richard Pinfold said Fund V offers eligible investors a unique opportunity to back nationally significant projects at a critical moment.
“Kākāriki is a national-scale renewable energy platform. Led by proven operators with a track record of delivering large projects, the portfolio is strategically positioned across New Zealand to meet high-growth demand regions. With an advanced pipeline of existing and new projects, Kākāriki is delivering the clean energy infrastructure needed to rapidly expand the country’s renewable capacity.
“Fund V will provide the seed capital to get these seven well-advanced projects investment ready, with plans to invest in up to 18 more as part of the broader pipeline. This unlocks the large-scale capital required to deliver long-term economic, environmental, and community benefits.”
Pinfold added that the scale of the portfolio is designed to help catalyse a sixfold increase in renewable energy generation for New Zealand. “Generating 6 times current levels will not only secure affordable energy for homes and businesses, it also creates opportunities to electrify transport, industry and buildings, grow exports through surplus embodied energy products and attract new energy-intensive industries.”
Phase 1 of the Kākāriki portfolio includes 4 GW of wind and solar generation and 2.3 GW of storage capacity, with land access, planning, grid connection activities, and partnerships with Māori already underway. The total pipeline exceeds 10 GW across both islands, providing geographic and technological diversity.
Pacific Channel has a 20-year track record of backing high-impact ventures, with 11 successful exits and a history of generating strong returns for investors. Fund V continues this approach, combining financial discipline with climate leadership and a commitment to inclusive growth.
Pinfold said “For over two decades Pacific Channel has invested in ventures that deliver both commercial success and meaningful outcomes for people, the economy, and the environment. Kākāriki exemplifies that approach – a proven team, a strategically located portfolio, and a clear commitment to regeneration and climate leadership.
“Fund V is about giving these projects the momentum to move from development to delivery, and in doing so, helping secure New Zealand’s clean energy future,” said Pinfold.
Pacific Channel’s Fund V is an Acceptable Managed Fund for the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa.
Further information about Kākāriki can be found via this link: www.kakarikirenewables.com
ADDITIONAL PARTNER QUOTES:
Simon Currie, Executive Chairman of Kākāriki, said the portfolio of projects is strategically positioned to deliver for both New Zealand and the global energy transition.
Kākāriki’s projects are in the right places to meet growing demand from industry and communities. We are committed to meeting global best practice in the project’s environmental attributes and partnerships with iwi and local communities. We will contribute to decarbonisation goals not only here in New Zealand but also by helping to decarbonise global supply chains.
Brett Rogers, Elemental Group Director, said Kākāriki’s approach was designed to strengthen the energy system while delivering broad benefits.
We are thrilled to have the backing of Pacific Channel as they take us into our next phase of delivering on our 600% vision for New Zealand’s energy system. New Zealand has a globally significant abundance of renewable energy, and we aim to farm it to underpin regeneration of New Zealand’s economic, environmental, social and cultural capital using low-cost energy. Collaboration with our partners is central to Kākāriki’s success as we bring together global expertise, local knowledge, and shared values to deliver projects of national significance.
Jason Lenthall, Partner of Regener8 Power, highlighted the global investment opportunity.
Kākāriki is a platform built on aligned values and a clear vision – to deliver large-scale renewable energy and storage projects that serve both New Zealand and the global energy transition. By working closely with Transpower, distribution networks, and regional stakeholders, we are ensuring these projects are optimised for demand, minimise environmental impact, and can attract the international investment needed to make them a reality.
Blair Jamieson, CEO of Tāmata Hauhā, emphasised the shared values driving the venture.
Our work with Kākāriki reflects a shared commitment to regeneration, collaboration, and climate leadership. These projects are more than infrastructure – they are catalysts for regional transformation, partnering with iwi and communities to create opportunities that will last generations. By focusing on high-demand growth regions and the best renewable resources in each area, we can help New Zealand achieve its energy transition while strengthening local economies.
