Rosie Manins

Cromwell's top police officer has retired from his leading role at the town's police station after more than 30 years in the force.

Jolyon and Enny Manning arrive at each day of the Environment Court appeal hearing for Meridian Energy's proposed Project Hayes wind farm armed with a flask of coffee and food to get them through to 5pm.

A ruling on whether new evidence will be accepted in the middle of an appeal hearing for Meridian Energy's proposed Project Hayes wind farm is expected to be released on Friday.

An Environment Court appeal hearing for Meridian Energy's proposed $1.5 billion Project Hayes wind farm was told yesterday the earthworks planned were considered to be at a low level of development.

New Zealand's largest proposed wind farm will not be built unless there is an intended upgrade of the national electricity grid, an Environment Court appeal hearing has been told.

Cited environmental benefits of Meridian Energy's proposed Project Hayes wind farm were based on misleading scientific information, an Environment Court appeal hearing in Cromwell was told yesterday.

A lead New Zealand scientist believes renewable energy production can minimise risks associated with climate change, outlining his views yesterday during an Environment Court appeal hearing for the largest wind farm development in the Southern Hemisphere.