RMA decision reflects strong collaboration with neighbours

RMA decision reflects strong collaboration with neighbours 27 November 2017 Commissioners released their findings today into the review of the Te Re Hau Wind Farm conditions of consent. The s128 review was focussed principally on noise emissions from the Palmerston North wind farm, owned and operated by NZX listed independent generator, NZ Windfarms. The decision follows a hearing held in September. The decision confirms a range of conditions proposed by NZ Windfarms following detailed work with near neighbours, reflecting a "change of tack" at the company since the appointment of a new board and CEO in early 2017. The commissioners agreed with NZ Windfarms' proposal to delay the start-up of two wind turbines located close to residential lots when the wind is light and in the south-easterly quarter during summer evenings and weekends, and in doing so subjected a third turbine to this regime. In addition, NZ Windfarms will replace the gearbox in one of the same turbines with a quieter model over coming weeks. The decision does not affect the operation of the other 93 turbines on the wind farm site. The decision requires an annual compliance report and ongoing automated noise monitoring to ensure compliance with the new conditions. Board Chairman Rodger Kerr-Newell noted that the decision was a good outcome for the residents and the company. "My team has worked very hard with our neighbours to understand these unique issues and find solutions to them - that we were able to agree on outcomes through dialogue that strike a fair balance between providing relief and enabling us to generate just shows what can be achieved with the right attitude." NZ Windfarms CEO John Worth, who joined the organisation in March, has spearheaded the change in approach. "We've made significant progress in the last six months; we have changed our operating approach such that our turbines run less often, we have secured more operating flexibility from the market regulator, and we've worked really closely with our neighbours to understand issues and find solutions. One of these is a voluntary noise curtailment regime that we put in place in July that dynamically controls more than 20 turbines to reduce noise emissions. "As the weather has improved and people are outdoors more we're starting to receive feedback that this is really working," said Worth. "All of these things together are what a socially responsible generator should be doing. We're pleased with the decision because in our view it balances effects on neighbours and impacts on our revenues, but quite independently of that we remain absolutely committed to continuing to work with our neighbours to ensure our operations are sustainable." Those who participated in the review process retain rights of appeal. For further information contact: John Worth Chief Executive Officer +64 21 800 310 End CA:00310979 For:NWF Type:GENERAL Time:2017-11-27 17:23:44