Resource Consent Applications for the Castle Hill Wind Farm

Approval for the Castle Hill Wind Farm is required under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) from Greater Wellington and Manawatu – Wanganui (Horizons) Regional Councils, Masterton and Tararua District Councils.

The documents have been produced in a series of volumes and are available on the Genesis Energy website www.genesisenergy.co.nz under ‘Our Projects’. Hard copies of the documents can also be viewed by contacting Masterton or Tararua District Councils or Greater Wellington or Horizons Regional Councils.

Castle Hill Wind Farm Newsletter 4 – August 2011

Welcome to the fourth Genesis Energy Castle Hill Wind Farm newsletter. The Castle Hill Wind Farm engineering and environmental assessments have now been finalised and the applications for resource consents were lodged with councils on 1 August 2011. The formal Resource Management Act (RMA) process is now underway.

“Here’s an update and what it means for you”

Resource consent applications lodged

The Castle Hill Wind Farm Project

Genesis Energy is proposing to establish and operate the Castle Hill Wind Farm in northern Wairarapa. The Castle Hill Wind Farm involves up to 286 wind turbines with a potential nominal capacity of up to 860MW of renewable electricity generation.

Genesis Energy and Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre

At Genesis Energy, we understand that our operations can impact on the environment and communities where we work. Whether at our existing generation sites or in the areas where we are investigating new developments, we are always on the look out for ways to give back to the communities. This has taken the shape of staff volunteer days, working with schools through our Schoolgen programme or providing all kinds of support to various community initiatives.

Recognising our increased presence in the Wairarapa through the Castle Hill Wind Farm project we have already been involved in a number of community programmes. We are pleased to have added to this through a new relationship with the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre where we will be assisting with the funding for the predator control programme at the centre over the next three years.

The documents that have been prepared and lodged with the councils include the Resource Consent Applications, the Assessment of Environmental Effects, a summary of the Resource Consent Applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects and the technical reports.

genesisenergy.co.nz

08/11

“ Talk to us about the project...”

Amy RennellGenesis EnergyFREEPOST 232530PO Box 17188 GreenlaneAuckland 1546

For more information about Genesis Energy and the proposed Castle Hill Wind Farm project or if you would like to give us your feedback, please contact:

0800 GEN WIND (0800 436 946)

09 580 4884

castle.hill@genesisenergy.co.nz

genesisenergy.co.nz

Main point of contact

Castle Hill Wind Farm Newsletter 4 – August 2011

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Parties then have the opportunity to appeal the decision made.Lodge Application Appeal DecisionReview ApplicationHearingLodge Submission Declined Submission Approved Submission Application Advertisement

A decision will be released after the hearing, stating whether the applications have been granted or declined.Lodge Application Appeal DecisionReview ApplicationHearingLodge Submission Declined Submission Approved Submission Application Advertisement

A hearing will normally be held within 25 working days from the date that submissions close. You will be advised of the date of the hearing and the public and submitters can attend.

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You can have your say by making a submission over a period of 20 working days from the date the application is publicly notified. Forms are available from the Councils’ websites and offices: • Greater Wellington Regional Council - www.gw.govt.nz • Horizons - www.horizons.govt.nz • Masterton District Council - www.mstn.govt.nz • Tararua District Council - www.tararuadc.govt.nz

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We are here

Councils notify the Castle Hill Wind Farm application in local newspapers. A letter and the Assessment of Environmental Effects Summary will also be sent to neighbours, known affected parties and the wider community.

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Councils checked Genesis Energy’s Castle Hill Wind Farm application to make sure it was complete. Lodge Application Appeal DecisionReview ApplicationHearingLodge Submission Declined Submission Approved Submission Application Advertisement

Genesis Energy formally lodged applications for Resource Consents and an Assessment of Environmental Effects with Councils on 1 August 2011.

Further information about the RMA statutory process and timeframes can be found at www.mfe.govt.nz.

What Happens to Genesis Energy’s Applications?

Here is a guide to the RMA consent process and statutory timeframes. It is worth noting that the statutory timeframes can be subject to change as permitted by the RMA.