Turbine plan raises fears for sanctuary flock

A photo simulation indicates the position of proposed turbines in the Long Gully wind farm. The photo was taken from Buckley Rd, Island Bay, looking west.

Kereru have been named mong Karori birds at risk of blade strike.

Kaka have been named mong Karori birds at risk of blade strike.

New Zealand falcons have been named mong Karori birds at risk of blade strike.

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Endangered native parrots, wood pigeons and falcons from Karori sanctuary Zealandia have been identified as possible bird strike victims from turbine blades at Mighty River Power's proposed Long Gully wind farm.

Sanctuary representatives are expected to highlight this concern when they appear before the project's resource consent committee, chaired by former Wellington deputy mayor Alick Shaw, in Wellington on Friday.

The sanctuary's submission to the committee notes that possible bird death through wind turbine blade strike was an obvious concern for sanctuary members.

A sanctuary spokesman identified endangered indigenous kaka, kereru and falcon species resident in the sanctuary as possible victims of a neighbouring wind farm.

The proposal involves the building of 25 30-metre-high 500-kilowatt turbines to the west of Brooklyn and south of Karori. The closest turbine to the sanctuary boundary would be 1.2 kilometres away.

The sanctuary is not opposing Mighty River's application but wants stringent conditions imposed alongside any consent which may be granted. It wants monitoring for the next decade for dead birds and bats which might be found at the bottom of the proposed 25 towers.

Mighty River consultant Emma Patrick told the committee Windflow Technology had held continuing and extensive ecological discussions with sanctuary representatives in the past 12 months.

A Zealandia spokesman said the sanctuary would outline its position before the committee on Friday.

Mr Shaw said he wanted the company to clarify its relationship with the Conservation Department and the sanctuary, as a matter of priority.

Miss Patrick told him she expected a memorandum of understanding would be signed with both organisations soon.

If consent is granted, the Long Gully wind farm could become the third on Wellington's south coast.

Meridian Energy is building the 62-turbine West Wind project at Makara, which is already producing power.

It plans a 29-turbine wind farm in Ohariu Valley.

Brian Hasell and Julia Williams are deliberating alongside Mr Shaw on the hearing committee.

- © Fairfax NZ News