At a total height of 206 metres (125m tower and 81 metre blades), the turbines will be the second-highest structures in New Zealand – behind the Sky Tower in Auckland at 328 meters. Full generation is expected by the end of next year.
The turbines are being supplied by a Danish company called Vestas
and assembled in China before being shipped to Marsden Point and trucked 110km in
sections to the site.
The resource consent process began in 2020. Despite local
opposition about visual impact, noise, and the effects on birdlife, commissioners
approved the project.
It is ironic that councils typically place height and colour
restrictions on landowners building by the coast, yet they seem ok with 206
metre high white structures!
Cultural impacts were addressed through measures like wetland
restoration and a $30,000 annual community fund, to “support community initiatives”
during the wind farm’s 30-year lifespan. The funds will be administered by the Kaiwaikawe
Wind Farm’s Community Consultative Group. The trustees have yet to be named but
are likely to include representatives from Te Roroa. Social media posts describe
their involvement with Mercury as a “partnership”.
Further information
Northern Advocate: Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm takes next steps to power 27,000 homes with NZ’s tallest turbines Here >>>