August 2nd, 2005

TrustPower and Aokautere Guardians Media Release

Tararua III Wind Farm Extension

There have been no appeals to the Environment Court over the recent decision to grant TrustPower a resource consent to expand its Tararua Windfarm by adding a further 31 turbines.

TrustPower's generation Manager, Mike Kedian, says the company will now be working towards confirming the expansion project, by reviewing tender and contract details as part of a financial viability assessment by its board of directors. That confirmation is expected to occur within the next few months, with the aim of having the expansion completed by late 2006.

Since the granting of the resource consent, TrustPower, Aokautere Guardians, and other parties, have reached agreement on conditions that have averted the need for costly Environment Court proceedings, which could have involved significant delays for the project and added costs for all parties.

Aokautere Guardians' President, Quentin Poole says, "The agreement sets a new milestone in the operation of wind farms in New Zealand. Agreement by TrustPower to create monitoring and control systems which will eliminate undue noise for residents was a major factor in achieving what I believe is an excellent outcome for all parties", he said.

TrustPower have also made a commitment to work with the Guardians on local community projects. This will see TrustPower provide planning and engineering expertise, along with materials and contractor resources, for agreed projects that will be of benefit to the wider community.

Mr Kedian says assisting with environmental, conservation or recreational opportunities in the local area aligns with TrustPower's approach to "hands on" community involvement in areas where it has a commercial presence, across the country.

"We believe working in partnership with communities provides a much better solution than simply donating money. We believe strongly in the value of relationships and that by working together we can achieve the best outcomes for all."

Palmerston North City Council staff involved with the consent process have expressed their pleasure at the reasonable and responsible attitude of the parties involved.

ENDS

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