Meridian’s Investor Days offer special insight into the work happening across Meridian to deliver more for New Zealand. We’re sharing some of the insights from our latest Investor Day to show what we’re doing to improve New Zealand’s electricity system and deliver better outcomes for our customers.
“Generation isn’t just about turbines—it’s about data.”
Introducing Meridian’s ambitious digital generation programme, GM Generation Tania Palmer says clever thinking and embracing new technology is the key to more generation.
“We’re unlocking $25–$45 million in value through smarter maintenance and outage optimisation.”
Meridian’s generation strategy is shifting from pure cost control to a balanced approach that prioritises asset health, reliability, and flexibility. Over the past year, the team has delivered 112 megawatts of additional capacity at very low capital cost, largely through operational improvements and engineering studies.
She highlights Harapaki wind farm’s performance, which is consistently above 99 per cent availability, and the Ruakākā battery’s successful integration into the market.
“These assets give us flexibility when the system needs it most.”
The next frontier is digitisation. Sensors, analytics, and automation are replacing manual processes, enabling real-time insights and predictive maintenance.
“We’re moving from calendar-based maintenance to condition monitoring.”
This shift means fewer outages, better timing for repairs, and improved safety outcomes. Cultural change is just as important as technology, and Tania emphasised that frontline teams are driving innovation, bringing ideas that make the company faster and safer.
The company’s digital generation programme is expected to deliver significant value by optimising outage scheduling, reducing downtime, and improving procurement efficiency. It also positions Meridian to respond quickly to market conditions, ensuring hydro and wind assets remain competitive as New Zealand’s energy system evolves. By combining engineering expertise with digital tools, Meridian can grow resilience and capacity without the cost of building new assets.
“Digitisation isn’t just about efficiency,” says Tania Palmer. “It’s about unlocking flexibility and value for the future.”
You can view the full Investor Day presentation here.
