We’re in the early stages of gathering information to understand the options of developing a wind farm in North Waikato.
This work is part of our long-term investment into developing more renewable energy generation to increase our national power supply. It is also one of the most meaningful ways we can contribute to New Zealand becoming a lower emissions economy through electrification.
We’re taking a flexible approach to engaging with communities, stakeholders and iwi in the areas where we want to work in North Waikato. We want to understand and respond to their needs.
We’ve begun to talk with local landowners about the opportunity to be part of the project. We’re also speaking with iwi, Waikato District Council, Waikato Regional Council and Department of Conservation as we work through environmental and other site-specific investigations to determine if the area is suitable for a wind farm.
A decision on submitting a resource consent application will be made in 2025.
Please watch this page for updates and email us to join our mailing list. You can also contact the project team via email on: waikokowaiwindfarm@mercury.co.nz
Project site
The wind farm we're proposing will use wind resource on the hills west of Huntly to generate electricity. The location site is remote and covers about 75 km2 of largely undulating hill country.
Work on a wind farm typically involves environmental monitoring, civil construction (such as foundations for the turbines), establishment of electrical equipment, developing access roads and electrical transmission equipment.
Part of the considerations when selecting a potential wind farm site includes the level of population. It is not possible to completely avoid populated areas, but we have experience in planning, constructing, and commissioning wind farms, and working with our communities to understand and resolve problems. We are initiating conversation with some community members and undertaking specialist assessments to better understand potential impacts during construction and operation of the wind farm. As these assessments and our plans develop, we'll engage with the community to see how we can minimise any impact.
This wind farm will have some economic benefits, such as spending in the region during construction. The positive impacts it will have as a generator of renewable electricity will last longer through the 30-year expected operating life of the wind farm. It's close to major load centres in New Zealand meaning lines losses will be minimised, providing efficient energy to the system.
This proposal is part of Mercury’s long-term investment into developing more renewable energy generation to increase our national power supply. Renewable electricity is key to New Zealand’s decarbonisation goals. Electrification of the energy sector is New Zealand’s best opportunity to meet the 2050 net zero emissions target.
We take public safety very seriously, and the safety of the teams who work on our wind farms. We have looked into health concerns that have been raised, but we are 100% confident that there is no risk from electro magnetic frequency.
During construction, the land involved will become a building site so there will be multiple hazards as you would expect, but access is restricted and a strict health and safety regime is in place then, as it is during operation of the wind farm.
The wind farm will provide employment and generate spending in the region during the initial phase of construction. There will also be opportunities for local trades people to become involved.
Mercury operates wind farms and power stations in and near communities all over New Zealand. We have community funds in most of these places that support community groups and projects and are often administered by local people. They kick off once we’re building or operating in the area. Take a look.