New Zealand remains a nuclear free country and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority have conducted research which shows New Zealanders prefer wind as a method of electricity generation over other sources.
Meridian Energy built their first South Island wind farm development in 2007 at White Hill, near Mossburn in Southland. This particular farm covers an area 8km x 3km, with 29 2MW turbines generating enough electricity for around 30,000 homes. Southland has strong natural wind sources for this kind of development. There are further developments at Kaiwera Downs and Slopedown in Southland in addition to other inland and coastal opportunities.