Meridian Energy is proposing to build a large wind farm in the Lammermoor Range, 70 kilometres north-west of Dunedin. The wind farm would have up to 176 wind turbines, generating up to 630 megawatts. If built, Project Hayes would be the largest wind farm in New Zealand.
The project was originally granted consent by the Otago District Council, but the decision was appealed to the Environment Court by 11 parties. The Environment Court declined the consent on 6 November 2009. Meridian Energy has appealed this decision to the High Court.
The Environment Court’s appeal hearing is was held in three stages. The first two stages were held between May and August 2008. The final stage was postponed until early 2009 to enable parties to present further evidence, such as evidence related to the cumulative effects of Project Hayes and TrustPower’s Mahinerangi wind farm, which was approved by the Environment Court in July 2008. The hearing concluded in February 2009.
More information
- Resource consent application and hearing evidence, Meridian Energy
- Central Otago District Council Resource Consent Decision
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