Power generator and retailer Meridian is to consider the outcome of consultation in relation to Wairarapa landscapes before any further plans to consent a wind farm near the Wairarapa town of Martinborough are progressed.
Greater Wellington Regional Council, in collaboration with the Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa District Councils, are jointly preparing a landscape study of the Wairarapa Region. Public consultation on what landscapes make the Wairarapa special, and how they should be recognised and managed, begins on 20 May. Chief executive Tim Lusk says “This landscape review process – and the timing of it - is a perfect opportunity for Meridian to listen to the community and assess this feedback before advancing the Martinborough wind farm proposal any further”.
In late 2009 Meridian commissioned a market research survey of Martinborough residents to assess their association with landscapes in the South Wairarapa and their feelings towards a potential wind farm on a site named Windy Peak - identified as on the hills adjacent to and immediately to the north of a feature known as Nga Waka a Kupe, which is visible from Martinborough.
The telephone survey, carried out by UMR, showed that 25 percent of respondents expressed strong opposition to the wind farm proposal, with a further 30 percent “somewhat opposed but wanting more information”. 9 percent of people were in favour of a wind farm on the site, with a further 33 percent “somewhat supportive but wanting more information”. A total of 200 people were surveyed.
“We are listening to the community. It is clear from the UMR survey that we need to take more time to understand the views of the wider Wairarapa community, particularly on landscape - the review process currently being undertaken, is an ideal way of gathering more information.”
Meridian’s CE said that the decision to place the project on hold was a sensible, commercial one since the location and number of turbines that the company would aim to consent would be determined, in part, by the issue of landscape.
“While we gather more information the Windy Peak proposal will be put on hold. We will not make a decision on its future until the outcomes of public consultation on the Wairarapa landscapes are better known.”
Tim Lusk will be joining a wider discussion with Wairarapa business leaders that will look at the needs and opportunities for the region next week.
The UMR survey results are available to view from Friday 14 May,2010 at /AboutUs/Reports+and+Presentations/
Hard copies of the research will also be available to view at Martinborough council offices and library from 18 May 2010.
ENDS
For more information contact:
Claire Shaw
External Communications Manager
Meridian Energy
021 370 677
claire.shaw@meridianenergy.co.nz