Last September independent commissioners found the potential effect of the wind farm on Maori values, horse activities and visual impact would make the proposal inappropriate. The Franklin District Council then declined the Genesis application.

But Genesis subsequently worked with local communities to minimise any visual and environmental impacts, agreeing to remove one turbine and relocate two others, while appealing the decision to the environment court.

The Auckland-headquartered company yesterday said the court’s decision granted Genesis the necessary resource consents to proceed with an 18 turbine development that would generate enough electricity for about 7500 homes from late 2007.

Company chief executive Murray Jackson said the company was pleased with the court’s decision as it supported Genesis Energy’s commitment to wind and renewable energy.

“The decision is good news for us and good news for renewable energy. Awhitu Peninsula is an excellent site for a wind farm because of its uniform wind characteristics, good site access and its proximity to a large customer base.”

The court said granting resource consents was justified on the basis of the national need for more renewable energy and the minor visual effects on the local environment.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, Auckland Regional Council, Environmental Defence Society and Greenpeace all supported the Genesis appeal.

“We are keen to see that the country’s increasing demand for electricity is a mix of renewable and thermal energy,” said Jackson, referring to the company’s existing gas-coal power station and approved e3p gas project at Huntly, as well as its gas-based Kaipara project.