Genesis revives its wind farm plan

Moves to revive plans for a South Auckland wind farm have begun in the Environment Court, with Genesis Power appealing against an earlier rejection of its scheme.

Genesis wants permission to build an 18-turbine wind farm on the Awhitu Peninsula, near Waiuku.

Planning commissioners rejected the plan in September last year, after residents complained about its visual impact and its potential effects on horses.

Genesis, a state-owned enterprise, has appealed against this decision.

Company lawyer Paul Majurey yesterday told the Environment Court in Auckland that the company had undertaken a comprehensive consultation process as part of its application for resource consent.

Its evidence showed the farm would not have significant environmental effects.

"Indeed, there will be significant positive effects," he said.

One proposed 90m-high turbine has now been removed and the site of two others shifted to help avoid any risk of scaring horses at a nearby equestrian centre.

The court and parties will visit the Awhitu site today, before the case resumes tomorrow.

Genesis' wind farm plans have brought together some unlikely allies, with environmentalists siding with the big power generator against the lobbying of local residents.

Neighbours near the proposed wind farm said the turbines would spoil coastal and rural views on Awhitu Peninsula and Kariotahi Beach, and have an adverse effect on tourism and nearby horse training and breeding facilities.

Ngati Te Ata claimed strong historical connection with the area and said the unique west coast landscape and Maori archaeological sites would be affected by construction of the wind farm.

Of 262 public submissions on the project, 237 opposed it.

If built, the wind farm will be the first for the Auckland region and generate enough energy to supply 7500 homes.