Wind farm development: a critique of the consultation processes used by developers of wind farms in New Zealand

Abstract

The demand for electricity continues to increase in New Zealand. Previously, growth in electricity demand has been met by large scale and costly state financed hydro, geo-thermal and thermal power stations. However, wind farms have the potential lo generate a significant proportion of New Zealand's electricity and to replace thermal powered generators as expensive fossil fuels diminish. The establishment of wind farms in New Zealand's landscape is partly dependent on the ability of wind farm developers to effectively consult with stakeholders when proposing to build a wind farm. Previous studies have identified a number of consultation tools that should be used by developers when consulting with stakeholders who are facing a unfamiliar type of development, such as a wind farm. Four proposals to build wind farms in the lower North Island of New Zealand were examined. Results indicate that a variety of consultation methods were used, that were shaped by the specific context of each proposal. Successful consultation methods included. 1) working closely with consent authorities to identify stakeholders and to legitimate simulation methods and locations; 2) accepting stakeholder concerns and where possible implementing stakeholder initialed methods to avoid, remedy or mitigate environmental effects: 3) monitoring plan developments and proactively informing consent authorities of the issues surrounding wind farm development.