Abstract
The New Zealand Government has committed to enabling an increase in renewable energy. Offshore wind farming is identified as an attractive opportunity, with developers scoping locations of interest.
Offshore wind farming is a new industry for Aotearoa New Zealand, and the siting, construction and operation of wind farms should be assessed in the context of the country’s environment and fauna. The diversity and abundance of marine life in New Zealand waters mean that the underwater environment is potentially very sensitive.
This report provides an overview and general comments about threatened and at-risk bird, marine fish, reptile and marine mammal species, and ecologically important benthic biodiversity for the three currently identified ‘locations of interest’ for offshore wind farm development. These locations are in the North and South Taranaki Bights, the Waikato region, and Southland’s Te Ara-a-Kiwa / Foveaux Strait and waters near Stewart Island / Rakiura.
Available data and overseas studies are not sufficient to adequately assess the impacts of offshore wind farming in these locations. This report recommends further work to support site-based comprehensive environmental assessments before wind farm developments proceed.