In 2013, Contact announced that it planned to exit the project,[4] due to, "the current supply and demand outlook and the competitiveness of the Tauhara geothermal development".

[5] In September 2008, the Energy Minister "called in" the project, meaning that instead of going through the standard resource consent process, the decision will be made by an independent board of enquiry.

The Board of Inquiry established to consider the proposal was chaired by Environment Court judge Jeffrey Allan Smith.

Other members of the Board were Dr Diane Menzies, Ms Gina Rangi and Mr John Lumsden.

[7] In May 2011, the board granted resource consents for the project, with conditions limiting the turbines to a height of 150m and three blades of up to 50m length.