Contact Energy has secured an inquiry draft permit approving the construction of the Hauauru Ma Raki wind farm.

The 504MW wind farm will be developed along 34km of isolated Waikato coastline, north of Raglan, New Zealand.

The firm has received approval to construct 168 turbines that would generate electricity sufficient to power 170,000 homes.

The board of inquiry considering the application has proposed that construction start within ten years and be completed within 15 years.