Meridian disappointed by Hayes Decision

Media release for immediate use Friday November 6

Meridian disappointed by Environment Court decision on Hayes

Meridian Energy is disappointed by the Environment Court’s decision declining consent for the Project Hayes wind farm in Central Otago’s Lammermoor Range.

Spokesman Alan Seay says Meridian will assess the decision in detail and consider the company’s potential responses, and implications for Project Hayes.

Meridian first lodged resource consent applications for Project Hayes with the Central Otago District Council in July 2006 and in October 2007 with the Otago Regional Council.

Resource consents were granted by both councils but those decisions were appealed to the Environment Court. The Environment Court hearing commenced in May 2008 and after three adjournments was completed in February this year.

Project Hayes is a proposed development of 176 turbines over an area of 92 square kilometres, with the ability to generate up to 630 megawatts (MW) of power.

ENDS

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