Sixth renewable energy project fast-tracked

The Māhinerangi Wind Farm project in Otago has been granted Fast-track approval.

This is the 26th project and the sixth renewable energy project to receive approval through the fast-track process. 

Tararua Wind Power Limited lodged a substantive application in November 2025 to expand and operate the existing Māhinerangi Wind Farm near Eldorado Track, approximately 50 kilometres west of Dunedin and 5 kilometres north of Lake Māhinerangi.

Approval has taken four and a half months since the independent expert panel commenced.

“The approved Stage 2 development, known as Puke Kapo Hau, will expand the existing wind farm, which has been operating since 2011,” Mr Bishop says.

“The project will involve the construction and operation of approximately 44 additional wind turbines, a new 110kV transmission line, a substation, and a 60MW battery energy storage system capable of supplying electricity for up to two hours during periods of peak demand.

“Once complete, the development is expected to have an installed capacity of up to 190MW and generate around 550GWh of electricity each year, enough to power the equivalent of around 68,000 homes.

“The project represents a significant investment in Otago and will contribute to the region’s economic growth while supporting New Zealand’s transition to a more secure and sustainable energy future,” Mr Jones says.

“Fast-tracking major infrastructure projects helps unlock investment, supports regional development, and creates opportunities for local communities while delivering the infrastructure New Zealand needs.”

Mr Brown says the Government’s goal is abundant, affordable and reliable power for all New Zealanders. 

“We are fixing the basics and building the future by taking key actions to increase energy supply and put downward pressure on prices. 

“Fast-tracking consenting rules to encourage energy investment, is one of those actions.

“Renewable energy projects like this are critical to strengthening New Zealand’s energy security and supporting a more reliable national electricity system.”

Notes to editor

For more information about the project:  Māhinerangi Wind Farm

Fast-track by the numbers: 

26 projects approved by expert panels. 
20 projects with expert panels appointed. 
55 projects are currently progressing through the Fast-track process. 27 active substantive and 28 referral applications.
56 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure. 
149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval. 
On average, it has taken 117 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope. 

Fast-track projects approved by expert panels: 

Arataki [Housing/Land]  
Ashbourne [Housing/Land]  
Ayrburn Screen Hub [Infrastructure]
Green Steel [Infrastructure] 
Homestead Bay [Housing/Land] 
Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]  
Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land] 
Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying] 
Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying] 
Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme [Renewable energy] 
Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works [Renewable energy]
Māhinerangi Wind Farm [Renewable energy] 
Maitahi Village [Housing/Land] 
Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing/Land] 
The Point Mission Bay [Housing/Land]  
Pound Road [Housing/Land]  
Rangitoopuni [Housing/Land]  
Ryans Road [Housing/Land]  
Southland Wind Farm Project [Renewable energy]
Sunfield [Housing/Land]  
Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy] 
Takitimu North Link – Stage 2 [Infrastructure] 
Waihi North [Mining/Quarrying] 
Waitaha Hydro [Renewable energy] 
Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project [Infrastructure]
Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal [Infrastructure]

  Expert panels have been appointed for: 

188 Beaumont Street
Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills
Auckland Prison Capacity Increase
Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project  
Bream Bay Sand Extraction Project
Central and Southern Block Mining Project
Delmore
Downtown Carpark Site Development
Foxton Solar Farm
Haldon Solar Farm 
Hananui Aquaculture Project 
Hunua Quarry Development
Mt Iron Junction
Mt Welcome, Pukerua Bay, Porirua
Northwest Rapid Transit
Southern Link Inland Port
State Highway 1 North Canterbury - Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus)
Stella Passage Development
The Point Solar Farm 
Waikanae North Development ...