Pioneer Energy Group Limited Partnership has lodged a resource consent application with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the proposed Jericho Wind Farm, a new renewable energy project planned for Blackmount near Otautau, Southland.

The application was submitted on 17 April 2026 under the NBEA fast-track consenting process, following a referral by the Minister for the Environment in August 2024. It has been assessed as complete, and the EPA will appoint a panel to consider the application.

If approved and constructed, the Jericho Wind Farm would generate enough renewable electricity to power more than 18,000 homes each year, supporting Southland’s growing energy needs and New Zealand’s transition to a low-carbon future.

Background

The Jericho Wind Farm is proposed for Jericho Station, a privately owned 1,359-hectare sheep and beef farm at Blackmount / Ō Tukaramea, with the project being progressed with support of the landowner. The project would consist of up to eight wind turbines, with a total generation capacity of approximately 35 megawatts.

Wind farm infrastructure would occupy around 3 to 3.5 hectares of land, with farming continuing around the turbines. Electricity generated would connect to existing local infrastructure, providing renewable generation close to where it is needed.

The proposal supports long-term planning to diversify New Zealand’s renewable energy mix and strengthen regional energy resilience.

Quote – Peter McClean, Group Chief Executive Officer

“Jericho Wind Farm represents a significant long-term investment in Southland and New Zealand’s energy future. If approved, it would deliver reliable, locally generated renewable electricity while supporting jobs and economic growth in the region. We’ve undertaken extensive technical and environmental assessments to inform the application and look forward to the independent panel’s review.”

Next steps

• The EPA has assessed the application as being complete.

• The EPA will proceed to convening an Expert Panel to consider the proposal.

• The Expert Panel will invite submissions from identified affected parties including Local Councils, Treaty Settlement Entities, adjacent landowners and occupiers and relevant Government Ministers.

• The panel may request further information, impose consent conditions, and ultimately determine whether the consent by approved or declined.

• If consent is granted, the project would move into detailed design and procurement before construction begins.

The wind farm is proposed to operate for around 30 years, with turbines fully removed and land reinstated at the end of the project’s life.

Key facts

• Location: Blackmount / Ō Tukaramea, near Otautau, Southland

• Scale: Up to 8 wind turbines

• Generation capacity: ~35MW

• Annual generation: ~128GWh (enough for more than 18,000 homes) 

• Construction investment: ~$100 million

• Construction period: ~12–15 months

• Jobs: ~98 during construction; supports~9 ongoing roles

• Operational life: ~30 years

About Pioneer Energy Group

Pioneer Energy Group is a New Zealand-owned energy company with a strong focus on renewable generation. Through its portfolio of wind, hydro and thermal assets, Pioneer supplies electricity and energy services across the country. Pioneer is owned by a combination of community trust Central Lakes Trust and Māori investment partners Totara and is committed to supporting regional development and a sustainable energy future for Aotearoa.

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