14 APRIL 2011 NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE, No. 51 1181

The contribution of renewable electricity generation, regardless of scale, towards addressing the effects of climate change plays a vital role in the wellbeing of New Zealand, its people and the environment. In considering the risks and opportunities associated with various electricity futures, central government has reaffirmed the strategic target that 90 per cent of electricity generated in New Zealand should be derived from renewable energy sources by 2025 (based on delivered electricity in an average hydrological year) providing this does not affect security of supply.

Development that increases renewable electricity generation capacity can have environmental effects that span local, regional and national scales, often with adverse effects manifesting locally and positive effects manifesting nationally. This national policy statement does not apply to the allocation and prioritisation of freshwater as these are matters for regional councils to address in a catchment or regional context and may be subject to the development of national guidance in the future.

In some instances the benefits of renewable electricity generation can compete with matters of national importance as set out in section 6 of the Act, and with matters to which decision-makers are required to have particular regard under section 7 of the Act. In particular, the natural resources from which electricity is generated can coincide with areas of significant natural character, significant amenity values, historic heritage, outstanding natural features and landscapes, significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna. There can also be potential conflicts with the relationship of Maori with their taonga and the role of kaitiaki. The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010 also addresses these issues in the coastal environment. Increased national consistency in addressing the competing values associated with the development of New Zealand’s renewable energy resources will provide greater certainty to decision-makers, applicants, and the wider community.

TITLE

This national policy statement is the National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation 2011.

COMMENCEMENT

This national policy statement will take effect 28 days after the date of its issue by notice in the New Zealand Gazette.

INTERPRETATION

In this national policy statement, unless the context otherwise requires:

Act means the Resource Management Act 1991.

Decision-makers means all persons exercising functions and powers under the Act.

Distribution network means a distributor’s lines and associated equipment used for the conveyance of electricity on lines other than lines that are part of the national grid.

Distributor means a business engaged in distribution of electricity.

National grid means the lines and associated equipment used or owned by Transpower to convey electricity.

Renewable electricity generation means generation of electricity from solar, wind, hydro-electricity, geothermal, biomass, tidal, wave, or ocean current energy sources.

Renewable electricity generation activities means the construction, operation and maintenance of structures associated with renewable electricity generation. This includes small and community-scale distributed renewable generation activities and the system of electricity conveyance required to convey electricity to the distribution network and/or the national grid and electricity storage technologies associated with renewable electricity.

Small and community-scale distributed electricity generation means renewable electricity generation for the purpose of using electricity on a particular site, or supplying an immediate community, or connecting into the distribution network.

Terms given meaning in the Act have the meanings so given.

MATTER OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

The matters of national significance to which this national policy statement applies are:

(a) the need to develop, operate, maintain and upgrade renewable electricity generation activities throughout New Zealand; and

(b) the benefits of renewable electricity generation.

OBJECTIVE

To recognise the national significance of renewable electricity generation activities by providing for the development, operation, maintenance and upgrading of new and existing renewable electricity generation activities, such that the proportion of New Zealand’s electricity generated from renewable energy sources increases to a level that meets or exceeds the New Zealand Government’s national target for renewable electricity generation.

A RECOGNISING THE BENEFITS OF RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY GENERATION ACTIVITIES

POLICY A

Decision-makers shall recognise and provide for the national significance of renewable electricity generation activities, including the national, regional and local benefits relevant to renewable electricity generation activities. These benefits include, but are not limited to:

(a) maintaining or increasing electricity generation capacity while avoiding, reducing or displacing greenhouse gas emissions;

(b) maintaining or increasing security of electricity supply at local, regional and national levels by diversifying the type and/or location of electricity generation;

(c) using renewable natural resources rather than finite resources;

(d) the reversibility of the adverse effects on the environment of some renewable electricity generation technologies;

(e) avoiding reliance on imported fuels for the purposes of generating electricity.