Meridian Energy has secured the remaining resource consent from Palmerston North City Council, allowing plans to progress for the 172MW repowering of the Te Rere Hau Wind Farm in Manawatū, New Zealand.
The newly granted consent permits the relocation of an Airways communication facility.
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Meridian indicated that further minor road upgrades will require additional consent.
The wind farm, situated on the Tararua Range near Palmerston North, was constructed in 2006 with five 500kW turbines and now comprises 91 turbines totalling 45.5MW of installed capacity.
The upgrade project proposes replacing the existing turbines with up to 40 new units, increasing total capacity to 172MW.
The repowering project is the first of its kind for a wind farm in New Zealand and has the potential to increase annual renewable energy output by seven times compared to current levels.
Meridian CEO Mike Roan said: “It has been a complex issue to resolve, and one that has taken longer than we would have liked, so this is a special moment for the project and for our team.
“Wind generation plays an important role in our energy portfolio, helping to preserve hydro storage, and this is one of the country’s best wind sites.
“It was the key driver behind our acquisition of NZ Windfarms in 2025, and we can now look forward to realising that potential.”
Meridian formed a 50-50 joint venture with NZ Windfarms in October 2023 to repower and expand the Te Rere Hau Wind Farm.
The company acquired NZ Windfarms outright in July 2025, citing the move as a way to increase its renewable generation portfolio and allow for more efficient project financing.
Work has already begun on enhancing access roads to the site, although a final investment decision from the Meridian Board is not expected until early 2027.
Roan added: “Getting this work under way ahead of a final investment decision means we can get off to a flying start, compressing our construction timeline and getting these megawatts into the energy system as soon as we possibly can.”
