Stage 1 of the Kaiwera Downs Windfarm was completed in November 2023. It generates enough energy to power the equivalent of 20,000 homes.Construction of Stage 2 of the windfarm commenced in June 2024, to add 36 new turbines and increase installed capacity from the current 43MW to 198MW.
Feedback or questions? Contact us at kaiweradownswindfarm@mercury.co.nz or call us 0800 201 520.
Completed: November 2023
Installed capacity: 43MW
Number of turbines: 10
Turbine type: Vestas V136-4.3MW
Tower height: 77m
Blade tip height: 145m
Rotor diameter: 136m
Transmission line: 18km of 33kV transmission line.
Investment: NZ$ 115 million
Construction commenced: June 2024
Installed capacity: 155MW
Number of turbines: 36
Turbine type: V136-4.3MW
Hub height: 88m
Blade tip height: 156m
Transmission line: 4km of 220kV line to the Transpower network.
Investment: NZ$ 486 million
The Kaiwera Downs community fund is available annually to support groups and projects neighbouring the windfarm.
June 2024 Mercury boosts renewable investment, committing to expansion of Kaiwera Downs wind farm.
May 2023
Read the May newsletter about the Kaiwera Downs Wind Farm.
3 November 2022
Read the announcement about the wind farm construction.