Contact Energy lodges fast-track application for Southland windfarm

Contact Energy has opted to use the Fast-track Approvals Act process to consent its Southland windfarm. (Image: NZME)

Mon, 08 Sep 2025

Contact Energy has lodged an application for its Southland windfarm project to be considered by a fast-track consenting panel.The project, to construct 55 wind turbines on 58 square kilometres of land in eastern Southland, was declined consent in March by an expert panel operating under the previous, covid-era fast-track scheme.Speaking after the decision, Contact Energy chief executive Mike Fuge said the rejection would delay the project, add millions of dollars in costs, and showed that New Zealand wasn’t open for business.By that point...

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