Waiinu site

Waiinu Energy Park

We’re considering a site northwest of Whanganui for a potential wind farm, solar energy and battery development that could generate enough clean, renewable energy to power up to 290,000 average homes.

Waiinu Energy Park is a proposed wind farm, solar energy and battery development northwest of Whanganui.

While the project is in the early stages of development, it could be one of New Zealand’s largest renewable energy developments, generating enough clean energy to power up to 290,000 average homes.

The main site is on farmland between Waitōtara and Waiinu Beach, set back over half a kilometre from the coastline. The project layout will reflect the outcome of effects assessments and local constraints including district plan and coastal protection areas.

A further proposed grid connection site is north of State Highway 3.

Waiinu site map plain

Waiinu site map

Obtaining resource consent

We have not yet lodged a resource consent application and are still considering possible consenting pathways.

We have applied to have this project considered for inclusion in the Fast-Track Approvals Bill currently before Parliament, which would enable all resource management and other approvals for the project to be considered through one process.

Regardless of the final consenting pathway, we remain committed to thorough planning processes and timely, open engagement with those in the local area.

Community benefits

We create renewable energy generation assets that will exist for decades to come, in communities where people live and work. It’s important to us that we become part of, and support, the communities that host our developments.

The possible benefits of Waiinu Energy Park to the local community and region include:

  • employment opportunities during construction and ongoing asset management
  • purchase of local goods and services, including use of local contractors
  • establishment of a Power Up fund to support the local projects
  • construction materials offered for reuse by the local community.

What happens next?

Before lodging a consent application, we will undertake a number of studies to assess the possible effects of the construction and operation of the energy park. These assessments are carried out by independent experts and include:

  • landscape and visual
  • noise
  • ecological
  • archaeological
  • cultural values
  • electromagnetic interference (TV, radio, communications)
  • traffic
  • construction (e.g. dust, sediment management)
  • geotechnical
  • stormwater and hydrology.

We are also consulting with mana whenua and the community about the project and its possible impacts.

If the Waiinu Energy Park project goes ahead, construction could begin around 2027, with completion happening in stages between around 2028 and 2032.

For more information or to sign up to receive updates, please email us at renewables@meridianenergy.co.nz

Power Up community fund

Meridian’s community fund Power Up supports local projects in the areas near our generation assets. It’s one way we can recognise the importance of local communities to our hydro and wind operations.
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