Offshore wind could contribute $50b to economy by 2050 – report

* Major economic growth potential
* Improved air quality
* Reduced carbon emissions
* Energy security
* Potential for job creation
* Infrastructure development
* Improved energy independence.

It found the most significant negative impacts could include:

* Visual impacts
* Potential reduction in property values
* Economic impacts of construction
* Potential impacts on the marine environment
* Impacts on cultural, recreational and tourism activities.

The study did however note many of the negative impacts were likely to be localised, temporary or non-existent.

Offshore wind projects currently proposed for New Zealand include:

* Project Kai (Equinor and Contact Energy);
* Project Pari (Electricity Invercargill);
* Project Takitimu (Ainsworth);
* Project South Taranaki Bight (BlueFloat Energy).