Over the years, public opinion surveys have shown a consistently high level of support for the development of wind farms in New Zealand. The minority who do not like wind farms are often very vocal in the media, giving rise to the misconception that wind energy is unpopular and unwelcome.
So what do public opinion polls tell us?
A Nielsen poll, conducted on behalf of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority between January and June 2008, found:
- 88% of respondents expressed support for wind farms, with 71% expressing support for a wind farm that could be seen from their home.
- 81% of respondents felt that where their energy comes from is important enough to think about what they can do or personally do something about.
- 88% believe that climate change is important enough to think about what they can do or personally do something about.
In May 2004, UMR research conducted a similar survey for EECA The results of this earlier survey showed 82% of respondents approved of wind energy. It is interesting to note that since 2004, New Zealand has had significantly more experience with wind farms, but public support has remained high.
A Shape NZ survey conducted in February and March 2008 found:
- 77% of respondents said they prefer wind as the best energy source in the next decade.
- 48% said they like the way wind farms look, while 44% say it depends on where they are located.
- Only 5% said windfarms do not look acceptable.
When asked how concerned they would be, on a scale of 1 to 5 (one being not concerned at all and five being very concerned) if a wind farm was built in an area visible from their home, 84% of respondents gave an approval rating (1 to 3).
The survey included results split into council areas. Although drawing on a smaller sample size and needing to be treated with more caution than national results, the results indicate good support for wind energy in areas where wind farms are operating or are proposed.
What about in other countries?
Wind energy receives strong public support in many countries around the world. For example, in the UK 60 surveys over 15 years show a consistently high level of support for the development of wind farms, on average 70-80%, both in principle, as a good thing, and also in practice, among residents living near wind farms.
How do you feel about wind energy?
Statistics and public opinion polls only tell part of the story. If you are unsure about how you feel about wind farms or a proposed development near you, your best options are to talk to the developer about your concerns or to visit a wind farm.
Most developers hold open days, where you will be able to look at photosimulations, find out about the developers' plans and the expected effects on the local community.
The following wind farms have viewing platforms and interpretive displays:
- Te Apiti, near Palmerston North, Manawatu
- Brooklyn, Wellington
- White Hill, near Mossburn, Southland
- Hau Nui, east of Martinborough, Wairarapa.