Contact Energy Pursues Fast-Track Approval for Wind Farm Project

Contact Energy has swiftly moved to pursue fast-track approval for its proposed wind farm near Wyndham, following the rejection of its initial application by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in March. Just 16 days after the EPA’s decision, the power company lodged its application to expedite the project, which aims to construct a wind farm featuring 55 turbines, each reaching a maximum height of 220 meters.

The proposed development encompasses not only the turbines but also a range of infrastructure including underground cables, transformers, a substation, a switching station, a transmission line, and up to two permanent meteorological masts standing at 140 meters. Additionally, the project plans to incorporate essential buildings, roading, turbine foundations, and “hard stand” areas.

In 2023, Contact Energy opted to navigate the approval process via legislation established during the Covid-19 pandemic, which allowed for expedited consent without the necessity of a formal Resource Management Act (RMA) hearing. Despite this, the EPA rejected its proposal, leaving the company with the choice to seek fast-track approval or contest the decision in the High Court. Contact Energy chose the former.

Panel Appointed to Oversee Fast-Track Process

A five-member panel has been appointed to oversee the fast-track application process, chaired by Ian Gordon, a Wellington-based barrister with extensive experience in resources and environmental law. Gordon has previously chaired two panels under the Covid-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 and has provided advice for an additional nine panels.

Joining him on the panel is Bridget Gilbert, a landscape architect who boasts over 30 years of experience in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Gilbert is an accredited commissioner and serves on the panel of independent hearing commissioners for Auckland Council. Dr. Roger Young, who manages the Freshwater Ecosystems Group at the Cawthron Institute, adds his expertise as a freshwater ecologist with a PhD from the University of Otago and has published over 70 scientific journal papers.

The panel also includes Graeme Ridley, who has significant experience in erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and environmental compliance. Finally, Rob van Voorthuysen, who has served as an independent hearing commissioner over 450 times, rounds out the group. Van Voorthuysen initially trained as an engineer, focusing on water, soil, and coastal management, and later earned a Master of Public Policy.

The selection of the panel was made by the Ministry for the Environment’s appointed panel convener, incorporating input from various stakeholders.

Timeline for Approval Process Set

A timeline has been established for the approval process, with comments from invited participants due by the end of this week. Draft decisions and conditions will be submitted to Chris Bishop, the Minister of Infrastructure, and Shane Jones, the Minister of Regional Development, in March 2024. Following this, further comments will be solicited from the applicant and participants, leading to a final decision anticipated on April 17, 2024.

The project was officially referred to the fast-track process by Minister Bishop on July 31, 2025, with Contact Energy submitting its application on April 2, 2024. As the process unfolds, the outcome will significantly impact New Zealand’s energy landscape and the future of renewable energy initiatives in the region.