Electricity generator Meridian Energy has gained approval for its Mill Creek wind project north of Wellington.
Mill Creek would have had a maximum capacity of 71 megawatts but this will be slightly reduced because commissioners cut its approved size from 31 turbines to 29 turbines.
The windfarm will be built near the far bigger 146 megawatt scheme, Project West Wind, which is under construction.
The scheme is one of three which attracted controversy over the role of the Department of Conservation.
Opponents of Mill Creek said the department failed to make a submission during resource hearings, having decided in advance that Meridian was handling the process properly.
