Kaiwera Downs Stage One wind farm now operational

Higgins is very proud to have helped build stage one of the Kaiwera Downs wind farm which has just started operating.

Built for Mercury 15km southeast of Gore, the ten-turbine wind farm will generate enough renewable energy to power over 20,000 households or 66,000 EVs.

Mercury awarded Higgins the ECI civil works contract for the first stage of the wind farm. Construction of the project, which began in October 2022, has been completed under budget and to schedule.

Mercury GM Portfolio Phil Gibson has praised everyone involved in the construction. “This milestone marks the completion of a great project in terms of safety, time, cost and quality – it’s been a great project for us and our partners. We appreciate the excellent planning, safety management, skilled work force and team culture that made this possible.”

Peter Brown was Construction Manager for the Higgins team, and says being part of the Kaiwera Downs wind farm project is a source of pride and accomplishment for everyone involved. "Contributing to the successful completion of a project that aligns with Higgins’ commitment to climate goals is not only professionally fulfilling but also reinforces our dedication to sustainable practices. The positive team culture and collaborative efforts involved in this venture have strengthened our sense of purpose and our resolve to continue making meaningful contributions to a cleaner, greener future."

Photo, left to right: Bruce Tinnelly, Paul Smith Earthmoving; Dan Francis, Road Metals; Richard Hardwick, Road Metals; Mark Shaw, Paul Smith Earthmoving; Phil Cammack, Higgins; Douglas Hall, Higgins; Brendon Kerry, Firth; Marc Papke; Mark Dempsey, Firth; Lance McMillan, Higgins; and, Sean Dowling, Higgins