Contact Energy's appeal will be lodged at the High Court. Photo: Unsplash / Luo Lei
- Contact Energy to appeal decision to reject Southland wind farm
- The appeal will be lodged at the High Court
- The energy generator slams "flawed" decision by independent panel
- Contact will also reapply for consent under the government's new fast-track process
Contact Energy isn't giving up on its Southland wind farm project with plans to appeal the declined consent application and reapply under the government's new fast-track process.
Last week, an expert panel turned down the company's application for a 55-turbine, 330-megawatt wind farm near Wyndham, citing environmental concerns.
Contact's previous application was made under the now defunct Covid-19 fast-track consenting process.
The company - which reacted furiously to the panel's decision - said it would now reapply for consent under the government's controversial new fast-track consenting legislation, passed at the end of last year.
In announcing its intention to appeal, the energy company's chief executive Mike Fuge said the Southland wind farm would be "crucial" for New Zealand's energy security.
"The panel's decision is flawed, with significant legal errors identified," Fuge said.
"We will lodge an appeal with the High Court, outlining the specific areas of law where the decision is incorrect.
"Natural gas supplies from offshore fields continue to decline faster than expected, and demand for electricity is growing," he continued.
"There is a pressing long-term need to increase electricity supply."
Contact noted the Department of Conservation, Ngāi Tahu, and local and regional councils approved of the conditions Contact put forward for the project.
Fuge said it was Contact's view that there was a "real need" for the Southland wind farm.
"This has guided our decision to re-apply for consent under the updated Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024," he said.
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