Media statement
31 October 2008
Hearing closes on Transpower’s proposal to upgrade the North Island transmission grid
The Board of Inquiry hearing into Transpower’s proposal to upgrade the upper North Island electricity transmission grid
was completed in Hamilton today.
The Board will now consider the evidence and submissions and will then issue a draft written report including its draft
decision on Transpower’s proposal. Transpower is proposing to build a new overhead electricity transmission line,
underground cables and substations between Whakamaru to Otahuhu and Pakuranga in the upper North Island.
“We expect to produce the draft report and decision in some months. It is a substantial proposal and there are many
submissions that the Board will consider under the Resource Management Act call-in process,” said Judge David Sheppard,
Chairperson of the Board of Inquiry.
Before the decision is finalised, Transpower, the nine affected local authorities, all 1244 submitters and the Minister
for the Environment will receive a draft of the report and decision, and will have 20 working days to send their
comments to the Board.
The hearing began in March this year and took place over 72 days in Hamilton, Takanini and Tokoroa. During the hearing
Transpower and submitters presented legal submissions, witnesses presented evidence, and were cross-examined. A total of
152 submitters came to the hearing to present their submissions. The Board also visited sites along the entire length of
the proposed route.
Please note the Board of Inquiry will not be commenting on Transpower’s proposal.
For more information see www.mfe.govt.nz/rma/call-in-transpower/board-of-inquiry/
For any questions about the Board’s processes contact Viv Smith, Project Manager for the Board, on 027 495 7096 or
tpcallin@mfe.govt.nz.
Background for editors:. The Board’s chairperson is Judge David Sheppard, a former Principal Environment Judge. The
other board members are Kevin Prime, Dr Deborah Read and John Rutherford.
Transpower’s proposal is to build a new overhead electricity transmission line, underground cables and substations in
the upper North Island. The proposed line would be approximately 200km in length, supply power to the Auckland and
Northland regions, and traverse the jurisdictions of nine local authorities (Auckland Region, Franklin District, Manukau
City, Matamata-Piako District, South Waikato District, Taupo District, Waikato District, Waikato Region, Waipa District)
through mainly rural land.
Minister Pete Hodgson called in Transpower’s proposal on 8 August 2007 and appointed the independent Board of Inquiry.
The ability to call in is a power the Minister has under the Resource Management Act to intervene in proposals of
national significance.
Inquiry hearing Commenced on 25 March 2008 in Hamilton
Day 1 to day 43: 43 hearing days between 25 March to 26 June 2008
* Transpower’s legal submissions and 47 witnesses presented their evidence and were cross-examined
Day 44 to day 69: 26 hearing days between 7 July to 8 October 2008
* Submitter’s legal submissions, evidence (and cross-examination of evidence) and submissions presented * 152
submitters heard * 84 submitters heard at Hamilton * 48 submitters heard at Takanini * 20 submitters heard at Tokoroa
Day 70 to day 72: 3 hearing days between 29 to 31 October 2008
* Transpower’s right of reply to submitters
Viewing of the proposed route and sites The Board of Inquiry viewed the proposed route and sites over 7 days in July
and September 2008. 115 sites along the 200km proposed route were visited. Webpage:
http://www.mfe.govt.nz/rma/call-in-transpower/board-of-inquiry/proposed-ro ute-and-sites.html
Appeals against the final decision Transpower, the nine affected local authorities, all 1244 submitters and the
Minister for the Environment may appeal the final decision to the High Court on a question of law only. Appeals have to
be made within 15 working days of being notified of the Board’s final decision.
ENDS