The beautiful Puketoi ranges will be turned into an "industrial park" if locals don't put a stop to the proposed Waitahora wind farm, the head of an opposition group says.

Last week, Contact Energy announced plans for a $500 million, 177-megawatt wind farm on the remote Puketoi ranges, east of Pahiatua.

The company said the ranges could support a world-class wind farm, which would be an important project for power generation in New Zealand. But a group of locals, some fifth-generation landowners, have mobilised an opposition group against the proposed 65-turbine wind farm.

Group spokesman Kim Phelps, a local for four years, said the Puketoi ranges are a landmark site.

Not only would the wind turbines destroy the natural beauty of the area, but allowing one energy company use of the ranges would set a dangerous precedent, he said.

"These guys are just the tip of the iceberg. Let them in and they are going to take the whole thing - and then that's the ranges gone, to an industrial park."

The effect on the local ecosystem, in particular the Mangatoro and Mangatakoto streams, and the placing of pylons for a transmission route to the main grid are among the group's 10 areas of concern.

And it's not just a local issue - it affects the whole of New Zealand, Mr Phelps said.

"We're not just thinking 'this is our backyard' of the region, but what is happening to New Zealand. We think these guys need to be a bit more thoughtful of ways to generate power."

Contact Energy spokesman Jonathan Hill said the power company was dedicated to preserving the local environment.

The effects on local ecosystems were expected to be very minor, with studies being undertaken to confirm this, he said.

Results will be posted on the company's website as soon as they are known.

Mr Hill said the transmission route had not yet been decided, but would involve consultation with locals. "Regardless of which approach we use, there will be extensive discussion and dialogue with landowners. It's great a group has formed, and wants to have their views heard, too."