NEWS RELEASE
Mercury, Energy Minister break ground on Northland's first wind farm
Mercury Chief Executive Stew Hamilton and Energy Minister Simon Watts today ceremoniously broke the ground of the $287 million Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm, near Dargaville.
The 77MW (221GWh p.a.) wind farm, which is Northland’s first, will generate enough renewable electricity to power about 27,000 homes - equivalent to powering the Far North.
It will feature the tallest and largest turbines in the country, reaching 206 metres to the top of the rotor blade (the equivalent of two rugby fields).
Mercury Chief Executive Stew Hamilton said delivering more renewable and reliable energy for New Zealand was a major focus for Mercury.
“Security of supply is the number one priority for the sector right now and one of the biggest ways we can contribute to the solution is by building more renewables quickly.
“We currently have $1 billion committed to new renewables, with Kaiwaikawe just one of three renewable projects we have under construction.”
Investing in renewables also supported regional economic growth, including through the creation of more local jobs.
“About 150 people will be working on the Kaiwaikawe site at any one time, with around 300 people working on the project overall,” Mr Hamilton said.
Energy Minister Simon Watts said it’s great to see this renewable energy project move into its next phase.
“New Zealand needs more abundant and affordable renewable energy to keep New Zealand’s households and businesses moving. I acknowledge the collaboration of all those involved in getting the Kaiwaikawe site to this point, and look forward to seeing the project come to fruition,” Mr Watts said.
In addition to Mercury staff and the Energy Minister, the groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Northland MP Grant McCallum, Mercury’s delivery partners, Vestas, Electronet and Higgins, landowner, Pāmu, Kaipara District Council, Te Roroa and community members.
Mercury is opening an annual fund of $30,000 to support local groups and projects in the community in mid-2025, which will operate for the life of the wind farm.
First generation is expected at Kaiwaikawe in mid-2026 and full generation by the end of 2026.
For more information visit the Kaiwaikawe wind farm project webpage. ENDS
Download PDF