Media Release
6 May 2007

Decision on North Island power transmission line completely unacceptable

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says the plan for a new North Island transmission line will be opposed by Manukau City Council because of the unacceptable impact it would have on rural areas of the city.

Transpower’s plan for the upgrade of the National Grid has been given approval by the Electricity Commission. If it goes ahead as planned, the new overhead line will pass through Manukau.

Sir Barry says, “It will mean 70 metre high power pylons marching through the countryside, including areas that are likely to be developed with housing in the future. They will be monstrous impositions on the landscape, like something out of “War of the Worlds.”

The council has been strongly opposed to Transpower’s plan from the beginning, due to concerns about the environmental impacts in the areas the line would pass through. The council believes the transmission line should be put underground.

Sir Barry opposes the proposal to build a new power sub-station in Pakuranga, and he says the effect of the transmission line on Ardmore Airport has also not been adequately addressed.

But he says the council is not giving up. “We will continue fighting for the rights of the community though the resource consent process which the plan must now go through.”

ENDS

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