Unison Networks Ltd. v. Hastings District Council

Citizen groups challenged the granting of resource consents to Unison Networks Limited to construct and operate a wind farm. The New Zealand Environment Court allowed the appeal. The court determined that despite the benefits of the wind farm in terms of climate change and providing a source of renewable energy, the proposal did not comply with the Resource Management Act because the proposed project would have significant adverse effects on an outstanding natural landscape. Unison Networks appealed the court’s decision in the High Court of New Zealand. The High Court found no error as a matter of law and dismissed the appeal.