The effects of the Mill Creek wind farm planned by Meridian Energy in Ohariu Valley are likely to be felt much more widely than Ohariu Valley. The proposed turbines are three times the size of the Brooklyn wind turbine. At 111m they are almost the same height as the Majestic Centre tower. They will be visible from Johnsonville, Newlands and Churton Park. It’s difficult to assess the anticipated noise effects from the turbines, as they are likely to increase as the equipment ages and because they are affected by topography and background noise. However a 2007 survey of residents near the Ruahine and Tararua wind farms showed a quarter of respondents more than 10kms from the wind farms reported they could hear the wind turbines. Anyone living within 10kms of the wind turbines could do well to educate themselves about the potential effects the Mill Creek project could have on their health and well-being so they can form their own conclusions about whether Ohariu Valley is an appropriate site for a wind farm