Charles Chauvel Welcomes Windfarm Proposal

Labour List and Ohariu-Belmont candidate Charles Chauvel today stated his public support for Meridian Energy's proposal to build a wind farm at Makara. He also said that he would be taking up Meridian's suggestion that supporters of the project make written submissions in support of it before the submission deadline closes on 10 August.

"Meridian's Project West Wind is important to Wellington's future. 850GWH of sustainable energy every year is enough to make the Wellington Region self-sufficient in its residential energy needs for the foreseeable future.

"Wellington is famous for its wind and for the beauty of its rugged natural environment and the Wind Farm will emphasise both qualities. I am proud to have been a member of Meridian's board when this project was approved in principle. It made environmental and energy sense then and it still does now. Meridian's achievement in the Tararuas - Project Te Apiti - has become a regional tourist attraction, is of low environmental impact and is making a sustainable contribution to New Zealand's energy independence. It shows what can be done at Makara and I am all for it," says Charles.

Mr Chauvel understands the Project had been notified by local and regional government, meaning that hearings would be needed on the proposal. "While like most Wellingtonians I am a strong supporter of seeing the wind farm built, I also recognise that there are a few people at Makara and elsewhere who do not feel the same way. It is appropriate that they should have their views heard as part of the RMA consenting process, which will provide a robust forum in which the merits of the proposal can be tested. While I do not agree with them I do support their right to be heard and believe that if that right is taken up constructively it could even lead to a better farm eventually being built."

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