City to join in turbine battle?

Palmerston North City Council will likely oppose some turbines in the Turitea Wind Farm, despite being contractually involved with the power company, city mayor Jono Naylor said.

On Friday, Environment Minister Nick Smith announced he was calling in Mighty River Power's application for the 131-turbine wind farm, taking the decision-making process out of the council's hands. Mayor Naylor was disappointed by the decision, but said there was a silver lining.

Because the council was no longer the consenting authority, it could become a submitter.

"It's highly likely that council could make a submission."

The council was contracted to provide reserve land for most of the turbines, and the terms meant it would be unable to comment on those.

But it would be free to submit on the turbines planned for private land.

The council would have to research the situation and discuss its position, but he predicted the council would oppose a number of the turbine sites "given their proximity to residential areas".

"To put turbines on some of the sites is preposterous," Mayor Naylor said. Some are within 700 metres of homes.

Mighty River Power acting chief executive John Foote was happy for the council to object to turbine sites.

"They have a mandate to represent the community."

The council was contracted as a land provider, not as a financial partner, and it was free to submit.

"They are a partner, but not in the sense of being part of the wind farm."

Mighty River Power was excited by the call-in process, and welcomed public comment. "It's a process where the community has to have a voice, whether it's the council or it's someone else."

Group strategist Neil Williams agreed, and said the call-in to a board of inquiry would keep the public involved.

"Opting for call-in is about doing it once and doing it right, thoroughly, and with due consideration for all participants, which is actually in everyone's interests in terms of cost and time."

* The application will be notified on January 24, with submissions closing on February 23.