WAIKOKOWAI WIND FARM

When are we planning to work on this project?

We're currently exploring the possibility of building the wind farm, engaging with the community and key stakeholders, a lot of research and environmental study of the site. We’re considering applying for consent later in 2026. Construction would be some years after that time.

Why did we choose this location?

Our initial scope of the project site suggests that it will provide an ideal source of wind and it's close to power transmission infrastructure.

Where will the turbines be positioned, will they be close to homes and communities?

We are still gathering the research and information we need to decide where the turbines might be located. There are a lot of factors to consider when looking at the potential impact on people’s homes. This includes the shadow flicker and noise of the turbines, suitability of the site for construction, access to the project site and visibility of the turbines from properties.

When will you be able to show us where turbines might be and what it might look like from my house?

We shared some visual simulations of how the wind farm might look like at community info share events. But we are still in the planning stages of deciding where the turbines might be constructed. This could be influenced by the type of turbine technology we decide to use and the infrastructure we need. That is why we have not released any online simulations or pictures of potential turbine placement. We will keep the community updated as we make progress on this work.

How are we taking feedback from the community?

We are committed to listening to the community and being straight-up in terms of sharing information about the project as we work through each stage. We are still developing the options for this wind farm but as it progresses, we will take a methodical approach to planning and engineering, to remove or minimise any impacts.

Nobody’s talked to me – who can I talk to?

We’rehappy to talk to anyone who has questions or concerns. First stop, email us at waikokowaiwindfarm@mercury.co.nz. We can correspond by email, or give you a call or meet up if you prefer.

Are we talking with local iwi? 

We are in regular and frequent conversation with WaahiWhanui Trust and Waikato Tainui to help us understand the cultural, economic, social and environmental matters impacted by the activities of the proposed wind farm. A Cultural Impact Assessment is part of the project preparation.

Will there be any impacts on our properties?

We have experience in planning, constructing and commissioning wind farms, and working with our communities to resolve problems. A well-designed and consented wind farm project is unlikely to have any negative impact on property values. By carefully developing our project plans, we will minimise impacts on our neighbours.

It's going to ruin the view…

The visual effects of the turbines are very carefully considered during the designprocess and the impact on local views will be a key part of designing the layout.

I have heard that turbines cause shadow flicker is that true?

Shadow flicker is when the effect of the sun shining through the rotating blades of a wind turbine can cast a moving shadow. This impact decreases with distance from the turbines. When it comes to design, and considering the placement of the turbines, our team will think about the best locations of each turbine that will avoid or minimise the impact of shadow flicker.

What could be the impact on local roads?

During the early stages of construction, work will be undertaken to establish roads and access for the turbines. We will have traffic management controls in place to make sure we can minimise the impact on the local community (typically big loads move at night, for example). 

What are the benefits to the community?

The wind farm will provide employment and generate spending in the region during the initial phase of construction. There will also be opportunities for local trades people to become involved.

In addition, wind farms help to support communities by creating economic and social benefits such as:

• Building relationships and working with local contractors, suppliers, and service providers.

• Generating a source of income for landowners.

Mercury operates wind farms and power stations in and near communities all over New Zealand. We have community funds in most of these places that support community groups and projects and are often administered by local people. They kick off once we’re building or operating in the area. Take a look. 

What are we looking at in terms of impact on wildlife (birds, lizards, bats)?

We have started studies to understand the ecology of this area, and bird and bat surveys to understand how (and if) they live here. All of this research will help inform and shape the work and design of the project.

Digging up the land is going to mess with the environment a lot…

The wind farm will be designed with input from independent ecologists to minimise the disturbance of indigenous vegetation and fauna. There will also be replanting of areas disturbed during construction, and very likely also‘mitigation planting’(additional planting) to make up for construction effects.

How long do wind farms operate for?

In New Zealand conditions, wind turbines are rated for 30 years of operation. After that time the decision will be made to re-power (install new wind turbines) or to dis-establish the wind farm.

Are the turbine components renewable/recyclable or what will happen at end of life?

We are watching ongoing research and development into recycling methods for wind turbine components domestically and internationally. A research paper published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand offers some valuable insights into managing wind farms when they come to the end of their life.

Have we thought about using bladeless turbines?

Turbine technology is always developing, and we want to buy the best we can to get the best from our investment. We keep an eye on what’s out there, but as it stands, we are confident that the three-bladed turbines at most New Zealand wind farms are the best for our conditions.

How many wind farms is Mercury looking at developing currently?

We have five wind farms; two in the South Island, two in Central North Island and one in Taranaki. We are building the second stage of our wind farm at Kaiwera Downs near Gore and a new wind farm north of Dargaville. Everything takes a long time to happen, and we have a pipeline of areas under consideration (like this one) and at different stages of being considered, built and operated. You can read more about ourwind farms here.

This is going under the new Fast Track Legislation, does this mean Mercury will bypass community engagement to get the turbines in quickly?

Absolutely not. Speaking to the community is important to us and we pride ourselves on our engagement with communities through all of our development and operation of wind farms and power stations.

What Fast Track does mean for this project is that this wind farm has been added to the schedule on the Government’s Bill, and it could be helpful to get things moving more quickly to meet NZ’s climate change goals.

Mercury is committed to building long-lasting relationships with the communities in the area, and Fast Track won’t change this.