Editorial: Look what the breeze blew in

In 1999 Trustpower installed 48 wind turbines along the Tararua Ranges, stage one of three, that saw another 86 turbines added in 2004 and 2007.

Those concerned about our reliance on fossil fuels applauded the move that now produces enough electricity to run about 26,000 homes, depending on which calculation is used.

But there were detractors.

Many did not like the aesthetics, and still don't, of giant structures peppering the pristine Tararua Range landscape.

Did we simply swap out one form of pollution for another?

Last week Trustpower subsidiary Tilt Renewables won consent to build another 48 turbines - this time along the Waverley coastline - that promise to power more than 20,000 homes with clean, renewable energy.

And here too there are detractors.

A group of Waverley residents is set to appeal the resource consent, citing among several concerns, adverse aesthetics. Turbines and powerlines aren't pretty.

One must have sympathy for those whose home outlooks and quality of life are to be impacted.

But equally it is important to acknowledge the importance of a rare clean energy initiative.

Given that it has been a decade since the last turbines went in over at the Tararuas, and that it could take another decade to build 48 more at Waverley, one could not argue that New Zealand is charging ahead like a bull at a gate.

Hopefully there is some compromise room in the plans, or mitigation that can be added.

But ecologically and economically this is a project too important to lose.