Hon Roger Sowry

National Energy Spokesman

18 August 2004

New power station test for RMA

National's Energy spokesman Roger Sowry welcomes the new 320MW coal-fired Marsden B upgrade announced by Mighty River Power today but says the project will be a real test for the RMA.

"The development of such generation north of Auckland is exactly what New Zealand needs to ensure security of electricity supply into the future," says Mr Sowry.

"But it's hard to imagine the RMA, as it currently operates, will allow such a project to proceed smoothly and quickly.

"The Government must ensure that it doesn't let the RMA sink this desperately needed piece of generation like it sank Project Aqua," says Mr Sowry.

ENDS

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