Appeal For Prime Ministerial Intervention To Stop Power Pylon Plan
Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis is to meet with Prime Minister Helen Clark to request her support for his stand against
the plan to build a chain of power pylons through the eastern part of Manukau City.
Sir Barry says the lines carried by the pylons, which will be 50 – 65 metres high, should be placed underground from at
least the southern side of the Bombay Hills, but Transpower plans to put them above ground.
“I wish to convey to the Prime Minister the many reasons why the lines should be undergrounded. The first 7 kilometres
is definitely going to be buried and so should the next 23 kilometres of the link.
“I have been flooded with messages of concern from local residents who would be seriously affected by an ugly chain of
giant power pylons. The community is united against them and Manukau City Council opposed the idea from the beginning.
“There are many reasons why the plan shouldn’t go ahead. Aesthetically, it would ruin the atmosphere of this beautiful
part of the region. Clevedon/Whitford is going to be a future growth zone, with many more houses and people living
there. Imagine the ruinous effect of these hideous great monsters marching across what is currently a stunning piece of
countryside. The pylons would also pass close by the country’s busiest aerodrome, Ardmore, and that is unacceptable.
“Aside from the social and environmental considerations, I dispute the cost argument that Transpower is putting forward.
The cost of buying the land to build the pylons will be astronomical and it surely cannot be much more to underground
the pylons a bit further than they have already agreed to do.”
Sir Barry says “Transpower has stated publicly that it will underground more of the route if someone tells them too.
However, under the current legislation it is unclear who actually is in a position to do this. The Electricity
Commission cannot as it is merely an economic regulator, and the RMA consent processes cannot do more than consider the
proposal Transpower puts in front of them. That is why I am meeting with the Prime Minister.”
ENDS