Wellington Wind Turbine

Welcome to Wellington Wind Turbine, located on Owhiro Bay Parade in Wellington, New Zealand. As the first viable commercial wind turbine in New Zealand, our institution holds a significant place in the country's history and energy development.

Originally installed by the Electricity Corporation of New Zealand in March 1993, the Brooklyn wind turbine was part of a research project to understand how wind turbines perform in New Zealand's unique conditions. With the capability to generate up to 225kW of electricity in winds ranging from 50km/hour to 80km/hour, this turbine provided enough power for approximately 110 average New Zealand homes. The electricity generated was fed into the local energy network, benefiting the Wellington community.

The location of the Brooklyn site was strategically chosen due to Wellington's strong winds. Over the years, this turbine has not only generated renewable energy but also provided valuable insights into the benefits of wind power generation in New Zealand.

When Meridian was formed in 1999, they inherited the single turbine and continued its operation. However, in April 2016, Meridian made the decision to upgrade the Brooklyn turbine with a larger one that could generate enough renewable energy to power around 490 average homes annually. This upgrade was necessary due to mechanical issues that had put the original turbine out of action for several months.

The decision to replace the aging turbine was made after seeking public input. Wellingtonians expressed their desire to keep the Brooklyn turbine through a "save the Brooklyn wind turbine" Facebook page, and a survey conducted by the Dominion Post showed that 85% of respondents wanted it to be repaired or replaced. Meridian listened to the community and decided to retain this iconic landmark, celebrating the benefits of Wellington's windy climate.

The original turbine, which had served for 22 years, was removed and delivered to Energy3, a supplier and installer of turbines for smaller commercial wind farms. It produced approximately 870 megawatt hours of electricity annually, enough to power 110 average homes.

Meridian Energy, the company behind Wellington Wind Turbine, is committed to generating electricity through 100% renewable sources, including wind, water, and sun. We firmly believe that this is the only sustainable way forward for both people and the planet.

We invite you to visit Wellington Wind Turbine and witness the power of renewable energy firsthand. Experience the awe-inspiring sight of the turbine gracefully harnessing the wind and generating clean, green electricity for the community. Join us in celebrating the advancements in wind power technology and the role it plays in shaping a sustainable future for Wellington and New Zealand as a whole.