The main site sits on farmland between Waitōtara and Waiinu Beach, set back more than half a kilometre from the coastline, with a proposed grid connection site north of State Highway 3.
The site was selected for its strong, consistent wind resource and proximity to existing transmission infrastructure, with relatively flat terrain that reduces construction complexity.
Meridian chief executive Mike Roan said the referral reflects the preparation the company has undertaken ahead of its substantive consent application, which it plans to lodge in late 2026.
“Fast-track requires a lot of work to be done up front, so we’ve taken time to ensure the application is as detailed and well thought-out as possible, and that it picks up on feedback from iwi and hapū, and the local community,” Roan said.
He added that projects at this scale depend on the financial strength of vertically integrated electricity companies.
