This document provides a useful compilation of recent research pertaining to the impact of wind turbines on human health.

These comments submitted to Standards New Zealand critique the recently released draft noise standards for wind farms in New Zealand.

DZ 6808 is a revision of NZS 6808:1998 Acoustics - The assessment and measurement of sound from wind turbine generators. The 1998 version was written prior to significant wind farm development in New Zealand. The basic methodology proved robust, but experience and research over the following decade brought to light numerous refinements and enhancements, which are now addressed in the revised draft.

In October 2006, Palmerston North City Council and Horowhenua District Council received land use consent applications from Motorimu Wind Farm Limited to construct, operate and maintain 129 wind turbines as part of a proposal known as the ‘Motorimu Wind Farm’. In June 2007, consent was granted for 75 of the proposed turbines to be constructed with consent declined for the remaining 52 turbines. Motorimu appealed the decision arguing it needed all 129 turbines for the project to be viable. This month the Environmental Count granted Motorium permission to erect up to 80 turbines. Dr. Dave Bennett's testimony was entered into the record before the Environment Court.

Richard R. James' testimony before the Wellington City Council in regard to modeled noise predictions for a Meridian Energy Ltd. wind energy facility.

The agreement is entered into between a landowner and Wind Power Pty Ltd when wind turbines are erected on the land.

This agreement entered into between the landowner and Wind Power Pty Ltd permits the developer to site a wind testing tower on the land. A minimum fee is paid the landowner.

The agreement entered into between landowners and Wind Power Pty Ltd permitting Wind Power Pty Ltd permits the developer to take a lease over the land at any time. The agreement reads like an option to lease but no option fee is paid a landowner for signing the agreement.

Mr. Sean Cox presented evidence at the Resource Management Act hearing for the Te Uku wind farm which directly countered the economic case for the wind farm, its carbon emissions justification, the available wind resource at Te Uku, adverse noise and health effects, and challenged the expertise of some of wind developer Wel's consultants. When completed, Wel counsel Simon Berry asked that the hearing be adjourned to permit the developer time to respond to Mr. Cox's submission. An excerpt of Mr. Cox's testimony is included below. The full transcript can be accessed by clicking on one of the two links provided.