Contact Energy says it still supports the idea of wind farms, but at the moment the economics of such projects are against them.
The company is seeking resource consents for a 180-turbine wind farm on land on the west coast of the North Island, between Raglan and Port Waikato, but wants to hold off on construction.
It is asking a board of inquiry, set up to hear the application, for a 10-year lapse period for the project.
Contact Energy says all machinery and components for the wind farm have to be imported, and foreign exchange movements and the global economic situation make building it less favourable at the moment.
But it says the company wants to proceed with the project as soon as the economic situation improves and wants the consents to be approved and ready to go.
Meridian trying to be 'neighbourly'
Meanwhile, Meridian Energy says it is working hard to be a good neighbour to residents near a new wind farm in the Wellington region.
Prime Minister John Key officially opened its new wind farm at Makara, near Wellington, on Wednesday.
Fifteen of the 62 planned turbines are now feeding the national electricity grid.
The Guardians of Makara, a residents group opposed to the project, says that even the noise produced by the 15 turbines is unacceptable.
But Meridian spokesperson Claire Shaw says the company is meeting strict conditions imposed by the Environment Court.
Ms Shaw says the wind farm will help to ensure a secure energy supply for the lower North Island.
