New Zealand Wind Energy Association

In August 2010 the High Court released its judgement on the proposed Project Hayes wind farm in Central Otago, upholding Meridian’s appeal of the Environment Court’s decision to decline consent for the project.

The proposed wind farm is in the Lammermoor Range, 70 kilometres north-west of Dunedin. The wind farm could have up to 176 wind turbines, generating up to 630 megawatts.

Meridian sought originally sought consent for the project in 2006. The Otago District Council granted consent in October 2007, but the decision was appealed to the Environment Court by 11 parties. Following a hearing that ran from mid 2008 into early 2009, the Environment Court declined consent in November 2009. Meridian Energy appealed the Environment Court’s decision to the High Court on points of law, essentially arguing the court had applied tests that conflicted with the purpose of the RMA and also without giving Meridian the opportunity to provide relevant evidence. The High Court upheld Meridian’s appeal, and the Environment Court was due to reconsider the project.

In January 2012, Meridian Energy withdrew from the consent process as they have since developed more commercially attractive options.

More information

• Resource consent application and hearing evidence, Meridian Energy
• Central Otago District Council Resource Consent Decision
• Meridian withdraws resource consents for Project Hayes

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