Caution needed over wind direction

Wind power is a great form of renewable energy and a key part of a sustainable energy future for New Zealand, but we need to address tensions about how the resource is being developed, says Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Dr Morgan Williams.

"The model of big wind farms isn't the only one," he says. "Most wind farms are on the same large scale we developed hydro in the 1960s and gas and coal in the 1980s. But we should also be thinking about ways of encouraging more distributed, smaller-scale wind farms and broadening the forms of ownership, including ownership by local communities."

Dr Williams was speaking about Wind power, people, and place, a PCE report tabled today in Parliament. The report provides an extensive overview of wind power - existing wind farms in New Zealand and the potential for growth, international experience of wind power, wind power and sustainable energy, its impact on landscapes and local communities, case studies from Auckland, Wellington and Manawatu, and legal and planning frameworks. It includes the results of interviews with 54 stakeholders and interested parties, and contains 11 recommendations to Government.

Given the growing number of proposals for wind farms around New Zealand, Dr Williams believes that a more strategic approach is needed on where to locate them. In particular, central government needs to give stronger guidance so that local authorities can actively plan for and consider wind farm proposals. That would help reduce the tensions that are emerging, he says, and avoid piecemeal growth while protecting the landscapes New Zealanders are passionate about.

"Wind power is very important to the future proofing of our energy system as we head into a turbulent time with climate change," says Dr Williams, "but we need to do it in ways that meet more than just our energy needs."