Stage 2 components arrive at Kaiwera Downs

The wind turbine components for the Kaiwera Downs Wind Farm Stage 2 project have begun their 95 km journey from South Port NZ at Bluff Harbour to Kaiwera Downs near Gore.

This milestone follows the arrival of the first shipment of V136-4.3MW turbine components at South Port NZ. Over the coming months, additional components will arrive and be transported safely via several routes.

Stage 2 forms part of Mercury NZ’s wider Kaiwera Downs Wind Farm. Stage 1 was completed in November 2023 with 10 turbines generating 43 MW – enough to power 20,000 homes. Stage 2, now under construction, will add 36 new Vestas V136-4.3MW turbines, increasing total capacity to 198 MW and generating enough electricity to power approximately 93,000 homes annually.

Each turbine features a hub height of 88 m and a blade tip height of 156m.

This marks another significant milestone for the Higgins site construction team and subcontractors as part of the site transitions from the construction phase to the installation phase of the V136-4.3MW turbines. Higgins plans to complete 22 hardstands by the Christmas break, with 5 of the remaining 8 foundations cast and the final 3 scheduled for January 2026. Construction of the remaining 14 hardstands will also be completed in the new year, with Higgins’ scope of works finishing by the end of April 2026. A small team will remain on-site to commence rehabilitation at the completed turbine locations.

Mercury NZ aims to have the first turbine assembled by the Christmas break, keeping the project on track for completion within 12 months.

Video and photo by George Polgar