Meridian Energy – Te Uku Wind Farm 

2009 / 10 Season

Te Uku Wind Farm for Meridian Energy – This project was a joint venture between Hick Bros Civil Construction Ltd and Spartan Construction Ltd, with Bob Hick Earthmoving Ltd as sub-contractor.

The earthworks involved Bob Hick Earthmoving and Hick Bros Civil jointly completing 26km of roading through steep to undulating terrain. The base excavations of the 28 turbines were completed by Bob Hick Earthmoving Ltd.

The site was challenging and we were permitted to make significant changes to the original design. This allowed us to build a section of road through steep terrain away from the existing track so that traffic could access the plateau away from works.  Allowing departure from design not only reduced construction costs but also minimised the environmental impact.  This section of road is now named ‘Bobs Ridge’.

CAT D7 Bulldozer push-loading Bulldozer and Scoop cutting out Plateau Access Road

Working amongst the clouds on the high point of the plateau

One of the 28 turbines in place on platform, each turbine can generate enough electricity to power around 1070 average New Zealand homes.

The foundation for each platform is up to 18 metres wide and 2.25 metres deep.  Each turbine weighs 318 tonnes

Completed roading – 26kms – with turbines in place.

Turbines have been carefully sited to avoid flight paths of birds and significant animal habitats.