21 Aug 2009

Wind farm poses threat to native birds, says sanctuary

5:19 am on 21 August 2009

The wildlife sanctuary Zealandia, in the Wellington suburb of Karori, says a proposed wind farm could put endangered native birds at risk.

The Mighty River Power proposal involves building 25 turbines, 30 metres high, to the west of Brooklyn and south of Karori.

Zealandia operations manager Neil Anderson says the nearest turbine would be just over one kilometre from the sanctuary.

He says international evidence suggests turbine blades pose a real risk to birds and other flying species, such as bats.

Mr Anderson says the kereru, kaka and karearea (New Zealand falcon) could be vulnerable.