Critics say Onslow is essentially dead, despite ongoing work

Tussock stretching to the water's edge at Lake Onslow. (Image: Fish & Game NZ)

Fri, 17 Mar 2023

Some critics of the proposed Onslow pumped hydro scheme say yesterday’s announcement that work would continue on the project was in fact a death sentence.Energy minister Megan Woods yesterday said the New Zealand Battery Project would continue to work on the next phase of the Onslow scheme, alongside a suite of other measures that could be a feasible alternative.The battery project is looking at how to address the dry-year issue. That relates to how the electricity system will cope, as it moves closer to 100% renewable generation when the...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Opinion

Alan Bollard: Fonterra Sale: Good for farmers, what about NZ?

Winston Peters was right to query the sale of Fonterra’s consumer brands.

Alan Bollard 5:00am

Finance

Big names for Wellington Water board

Credit rating agency warns that water reforms are no council debt panacea.

Pattrick Smellie 5:00am

Law & Regulation

Green light for solar farm near Greytown, Wairarapa

Far North Solar Farm and the local council still need to work out conditions.

Greg Hurrell 5:00am

Green light for solar farm near Greytown, Wairarapa

Sponsored

Move-in ready offices: How business are rethinking workspace

Sponsored by Precinct Properties

Sponsored

NZ risks losing edge as Australia takes lead in cleaner jet fuel

Experts warn SAF delay could cost jobs and growth.

Z Energy

More Infrastructure

Finance

Big names for Wellington Water board

Credit rating agency warns that water reforms are no council debt panacea.

Pattrick Smellie 5:00am

Primary Sector

US$411b on the table: will NZ claim a slice?

Infrastructure will be a major focus of the NZ EU Summit, but Ukraine might be too.

Dileepa Fonseka 24 Oct 2025

Infrastructure

Wellington Airport's half-year passenger numbers down, net loss up

Staff reporters 23 Oct 2025

Infrastructure

Marsden Maritime Holdings CEO Rosie Mercer standing down

Marsden Maritime Holdings' chief executive, Rosie Mercer, is stepping down at the end of the year.After three years in the job, she said the decision was a natural transition point for her and the company, as Marsden Maritime Holdings (MMH) was in a strong position and well-p...

Ian Llewellyn 23 Oct 2025

Critics say Onslow is essentially dead, despite ongoing work

More Infrastructure

Your company has a subscription

Team