Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson has given the go-ahead for the staged installation of up to 200 tidal turbine power generators in Kaipara Harbour.
Ms Wilkinson says she is aware of the concerns of those who made submissions to the Environment Court, which last month said the project could proceed, with conditions.
Ms Wilkinson says a publicly notified review process will take place after each installation and the turbines would be removed if significant environmental effects were detected.
She says the first installation will involve just three turbines, and Northland Regional Council will be responsible for monitoring their impact on a range of marine wildlife, including sharks, rays, marine mammals and fish.
