Farmers object to wind farm hampering view

HASTINGS - A group of Hawke's Bay farmers say their view of the Te Waka/Maungaharuru range near State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo should not be "spoiled" with a windfarm.

Chris Crosse, who lives and works in the Patoka district, said he was bewildered that Hastings District Council could allow the viewshaft of the range to be spoilt.

Hugh Thomsen made his submission to the Hastings District Council's hearings committee because he wanted to "preserve the profound glory and overwhelming presence" of the range.

Peter Crosse was concerned at what windfarms would do for Hawke's Bay's tourism.

"Hawke's Bay Wine Country sounds much more alluring than Hawke's Bay Wind Country"

Rural communities were divided over the wind farms and if the visual, noise and vibration disturbances would erode the good will a community required, Mr Thomsen said.

He said the landowners who allowed turbines on their properties could move off their properties and leave their neighbours to suffer the effects of the turbines.

Mr Thomsen said the Unison application for 16 turbines was the "thin end of the wedge" and there would be a domino effect were it approved.

Bruce McGregor summed up the Patoka farmers' case.

"The hills and the landscapes have mana -- I can't think of a better word to describe it -- there is a dignity to the landscape. If this project goes ahead this landscape will lose its dignity, the hills will lose their mana. And we will all lose something."

Submissions are continuing.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY