The Government has granted fast-track approval for the expansion of the Māhinerangi Wind Farm in Otago, paving the way for another large-scale wind energy development as debate continues over the role of intermittent renewable generation in New Zealand’s electricity system.
The approval is the 26th project and the sixth renewable energy development to be cleared under the Government’s fast-track consenting process. Tararua Wind Power Limited applied in November 2025 to expand the existing Māhinerangi Wind Farm, which has operated since 2011 near Lake Māhinerangi, about 50 kilometres west of Dunedin. The application was approved after an assessment by an “independent expert panel” lasting around four and a half months.
The Stage 2 expansion, known as Puke Kapo Hau, will add approximately 44 wind turbines, a new 110kV transmission line, a substation and a 60MW battery energy storage system designed to provide electricity for up to two hours during periods of high demand.
The Government says the expanded wind farm will have an installed capacity of up to 190MW and produce around 550GWh of electricity each year, which it estimates is enough to supply the equivalent of about 68,000 homes.
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop said the project demonstrated how the fast-track process was helping to accelerate major infrastructure developments. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said the investment would “support economic growth” in Otago, while Energy Minister Simon Watts said expanding renewable generation was part of the Government’s plan to improve energy security and help reduce pressure on electricity prices.
Image credit: Natalia Blauth
Lets kill the birds in the name of saving the planet.