31 August 2007

Chief Executive District Council Private Bag 544 NGARUAWAHIA

Dear Sir

SUBMISSION ON PROPOSED TE UKU WIND PARK (APPLICATION BY WEL NETWORKS LTD)

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 This submission relates in general to the application to construct a wind farm on the Wharauroa Plateau and specifically the provision for sustainable energy sources.

1.2 Hamilton City Council (HCC), as a member of the Waikato Energy forum and the Communities for Climate Protection Programme – (CCP-NZ), supports the construction of the in recognition of the growing need to address New Zealand’s energy future, especially the issues of security of supply and sustainability of source. Office Executive's Chief

2.0 SPECIFIC COMMENTS 2.1 HCC is of the view that it is important that this application be seen in the light of growing energy demand and rising national awareness of the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This wind farm is designed to provide an additional capacity of up to 84MW, whilst avoiding the production of 160,000

tonnes CO 2 equivalent emissions. This local project will increase the diversity of renewable sources of energy in the combined energy supply matrix of the Waikato Region, which is required as older technologies are replaced.

2.2 HCC has committed to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of both Council and Hamilton’s community. Supporting projects such as this provide and Hamilton City the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to reducing both the city and the district’s greenhouse gas emissions and will enable New Zealand to take a step closer to reaching its Kyoto targets. This issue is of great significance to HCC, as it is an area where local government can not only lead by example but effect great change within our communities through good planning, policy and design.

File Ref: 30/16 Sub #: 175

2.3 It is requested that during the consenting process that Waikato District Council take into consideration the positive contribution this development will have on achieving long-term security of supply of sustainable energy to New Zealand.

3.0 CONCLUDING COMMENTS 3.1 Hamilton City Council trusts that the points made in this submission are helpful to Waikato District Council when considering the application from WEL Energy Trust.

3.2 Hamilton City Council does not wish to be heard in support of this submission.

Yours faithfully

Michael Redman CHIEF EXECUTIVE

File Ref: 30/16 Sub #: 175