Taranaki Offshore Partnership welcomes opening of New Zealand’s first offshore renewable energy feasibility permit round
Wellington, New Zealand, 4 November 2026 – Taranaki Offshore Partnership (TOP) welcomes the opening of New Zealand’s first Offshore Renewable Energy feasibility permit application round, which opened on October 19.
TOP commends the New Zealand Government, Energy Minister Hon. Simeon Brown and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) for establishing this important regulatory pathway to develop large-scale renewable energy as part of New Zealand’s future energy mix.
“Today’s announcement is an important milestone for offshore wind in Aotearoa New Zealand, and we congratulate MBIE and the wider Government for the work undertaken to establish the new feasibility permit regime,” said Giacomo Caleffi, Business Development Director at TOP.
“Offshore wind development is in New Zealand’s national interest and will strengthen energy security and support the path toward decarbonisation. We look forward to continuing our constructive engagement with the Government, local communities and iwi/Māori in Taranaki and across New Zealand to establish workable solutions that create the right regulatory, economic, and investment environment to support the country’s renewable energy needs.”
The opening of the feasibility application round provides an opportunity to apply for feasibility permits in designated areas offshore Taranaki and Waikato/South Auckland. Strong and consistent wind resources off New Zealand coasts are well suited to producing reliable power at scale, including during winter when electricity demand is typically higher.
TOP is a joint venture between the New Zealand Superannuation Fund and Danish renewable energy investor Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners. TOP has been on the ground advancing early stage feasibility and assessment for offshore wind in the South Taranaki Bight of New Zealand since 2021.
About Taranaki Offshore Wind Partnership
Taranaki Offshore Partnership (TOP) is a joint venture between New Zealand Super Fund and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners. TOP aims to assess and, if feasible, pursue the development of offshore wind in Aotearoa New Zealand.
TOP is in a unique position as a potential offshore wind developer in Aotearoa, bringing the joint venture partners’ proven experience in offshore wind development, infrastructure and funding.