Power to the people: Stop these wind farm vandals

If the belated decision of Greater Wellington Regional Council is anything to go by, the truth about wind factories is beginning to dawn. It has called a halt to the Belmont wind farm scheme that would have blighted the landscape with up to 81 gigantic turbines. People are beginning to realise that wind farms may not be the sustainable solution to an energy shortage. Not only do they under-perform in generation terms, they have huge negative impacts on the countryside . . . Complete story »

~ Editorials, New Zealand
09 Oct 2008 ~

Decision process as vital as decision itself

Shock, horror. After "carefully considering" a plea by the Palmerston North City Council to withdraw a request to call-in its wind farm resource consent application, Mighty River Power is sticking to its guns. As reported in today's Manawatu Standard, MRP has ignored the PNCC's view that the decision on the Turitea wind farm should be made locally. If Environment Minister Trevor Mallard decides to call- in the consent application, it will be referred directly to a ministerially-appointed board of inquiry, . . . Complete story »

Mighty River Power stands by call-in application

Mighty River Power (MRP) will not withdraw its application for a ministerial call-in on the proposed Turitea Wind Farm. Last month, the state-owned enterprise received a request from the Palmerston North City Council, asking them to withdraw the application, which was sent to Environment Minister Trevor Mallard in August. A call-in would see the resource consent process taken out of council's hands, and instead referred directly to either a board of inquiry or the Environment Court. A project can be . . . Complete story »

Hawke's Bay iwi seeks urgent hearing over wind farm

A Hawke's Bay iwi has applied to the Waitangi Tribunal for an urgent hearing over the Crown's support to call in a resource consent application for a wind farm. In 2006, power lines company Unison Networks sought consent for a 37- turbine farm on Te Waka range. The Environment Court overturned a decision in Unison's favour, which the High Court upheld. Unison has now applied for a 34-turbine wind farm in the same location, which the Crown has supported. . . . Complete story »

Wyndham wind farm draws opposition

A group of Southland residents are preparing to unite to protest against a proposed wind farm near Wyndham. Wind Prospect announced in March its plans for the Slopedown wind farm to be built about 15km east of Wyndham, though it is still in the early stages of planning. However, concerned residents are preparing to form an incorporated society this month to object against it. Le Potager owner Johanna Stewart opposed the wind farm, saying it would be all too close . . . Complete story »

Court's turbine decision hailed as a victory

Permission to build four more turbines - a mere four of at least 38 extra Motorimu wanted - has been hailed as a victory by opponents of the wind farm and they say there are ramifications for other planned farms like Turitea. They gathered at Aokautere's Rendezvous bar last night for celebratory drinks and to reflect on a two-year battle. "There were huge resources against us," Millricks Line resident Alison Mildon said, but the fight had to be fought. "There . . . Complete story »

Green light for 80 turbines; But there is doubt now whether they will ever be built

The Motorimu Wind Farm has gained consent for 80 turbines, but whether any will be built is up in the air. In an Environment Court decision released this week, Judge Brian Dwyer and two commissioners ruled a total of 80 turbines could be built on the Tararua Ranges around Tokomaru. The site crosses the Palmerston North and Horowhenua boundaries. Last year, the court consented 75 turbines, but turned down 52. Motorimu appealed the decision, arguing at least 38 extra turbines . . . Complete story »

~ New Zealand, Press releases
29 Sep 2008 ~

Puketiro wind farm proposal changed

Press Release: Greater Wellington Regional Council Puketiro wind farm proposal changed Greater Wellington Regional Council announced today that it has decided to revoke the permission granted to wind farm developer RES New Zealand Ltd to locate three turbines in the Battle Hill Farm Forest Park. The three turbines were part of a proposed Puketiro wind farm – a development of about 50 turbines located in the Greater Wellington-owned Akatarawa Forest and possibly on adjoining private land. The Pauatahanui Futures Society . . . Complete story »

Govt call-in stalls wind farm consent

Mighty River Power's application to build a 131-turbine wind farm in the Turitea Reserve is in limbo, until Environment Minister Trevor Mallard makes up his mind. The Palmerston North City Council received the resource consent application in August, and had expected to publicly notify it in early October. But the council was now waiting to hear the outcome of a ministerial call-in application, Mayor Jono Naylor said. "The council's role will be different if the minister does call it . . . Complete story »

~ New Zealand
26 Sep 2008 ~

Mayor silences consent debate

A ''dangerous'' discussion that verged on perverting the course of justice was silenced by mayor Maureen Reynolds at a Tararua District council meeting yesterday. In a highly unusual move, Mrs Reynolds let two Waitahora wind farm opponents sitting at the back of the meeting ask questions during council discussion. But when the talk threatened to infringe on the future impartiality of councillors, she was forced to clamp down on the session. The impromptu debate started when council moved to discuss . . . Complete story »

Kaiwera wind farm bid heading for court

Trustpower's bid to develop a multi million-dollar wind farm, at Kaiwera Downs near Mataura, appears destined for the Environment Court. Gore district planning consultant Keith Hovell said a pre-hearing, in Dunedin on Thursday, saw the Uplands Landscape Protection Society win the right to continue with its appeal, as it was lodged, against resource consents for the wind farm. The hearing would not be held until April 2009, at the earliest, he said. However, TrustPower and the Gore District Council have . . . Complete story »

TrustPower delays strike-out attempt

TrustPower yesterday "put on hold" its earlier application to strike out part of an appeal by the Upland Landscape Protection Society against a proposed $400 million wind farm at Kaiwera Downs, near Gore. During a preliminary hearing in the Environment Court at Dunedin, TrustPower initially sought to strike out part of a wide-ranging appeal by the society against a consent granted to the energy firm's wind farm in June. The Gore District Council and Southland Regional Council are respondents . . . Complete story »