Makara locals are furious after signs protesting against Meridian Energy's West Wind project were mysteriously removed apparently in case they were spotted by Prime Minister John Key. "It's terrible. This is New Zealand, not Zimbabwe," Makara farmer Graeme Hook said. Police are investigating and have spoken to a Meridian subcontractor.

Makara locals are furious after signs protesting against Meridian Energy's West Wind project were mysteriously removed apparently in case they were spotted by Prime Minister John Key.

"It's terrible. This is New Zealand, not Zimbabwe," Makara farmer Graeme Hook said.

Police are investigating and have spoken to a Meridian subcontractor.

Mr Key was driven to the wind farm near Makara yesterday to throw a switch marking its official start-up. Earlier, Mr Hook gave permission for Lynne and Dean Carter to place protest signs on a fence outside his home.

"We knew Mr Key was going and we wanted him to know Makara people are totally opposed to the wind farm," Mrs Carter said. However, not long after the signs were placed on the fence, they were whisked away.

Mrs Carter saw two people in a white ute removing the hoardings.

Signs were also taken from outside Mr Hook's property, and he saw a white ute nearby soon afterwards.

The signs, which read: "Makara is United, Turbines Too Close to Homes!", mysteriously reappeared after Mr Key left the area.

Senior Constable David Ross, of Karori, said he noticed protest signs had gone missing. He went to the West Wind site and spoke to Meridian staff. A subcontractor was ordered to put the signs back.

Meridian spokeswoman Claire Shaw said their removal was "very disappointing". "It's not our style and we'll be looking into it."

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