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The Central Wind project is a proposed 52-turbine wind farm in the central North Island, between Waiouru and Taihape.

The wind farm would generate up to 119.6 megawatts, producing enough electricity each year for about 50,000 average New Zealand homes.

About the project

Meridian has been granted resource consent to build a 52-turbine wind farm in the central North Island, between Waiouru and Taihape. This project is known as Central Wind.

The site has all the features we look for in a wind farm, including consistently strong wind. It’s expected that turbines at the site would generate electricity about 90 percent of the time.

Renewable energy

The New Zealand Government’s aspiration is for 90 percent of electricity generation to be from renewable sources by 2025.

Latest developments

Full consent for the Central Wind project was granted by the Environment Court in January 2010.

The project then entered the pre-construction phase, which involves detailed design and planning work.

Work continues to ensure this project remains a viable option for Meridian to proceed with in the future when market conditions are right.

Key dates

  • 2008Jul.
    Resource consent lodged with Ruapehu and Rangitikei District Councils and Horizons Regional Council
  • 2008Nov.
    Council hearing held
  • 2009Feb.
    Resource consent granted
  • 2009Mar.
    Council decision appealed to the Environment Court by various parties
  • 2009Sept.
    Consent applications heard by the Environment Court
  • 2010Jan.
    Wind farm proposal granted full consent

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