Tilting at windmills

Ashhurst resident Colin Mahy says wind turbines on the skyline are causing the light to flicker in his home.

It is so bad he has to get out of the house, says Mr Mahy. "It would drive you mad."

However, Meridian Energy spokesman Alan Seay said Mr Mahy should pull his curtains. "Our view is that it only happens in very specific climatic conditions - very bright sunlight with the sun at a certain angle."

The flickering usually occurred if a house is within 800m of a turbine and Mr Seay said he would be very surprised if it was happening in Ashhurst. He said the light-flicker issue was raised during the resource consent process but if it had been seen to be an issue the windmills would have been moved.