Collins Comments 10 June 2005

In the NZ Herald on Friday 3 June 2005 an article headed "Poll finds majority opposed to pylons" contained comments attributed to the National Party.

Please see below the Letter to the Editor that was sent to the NZ Herald, but which the Herald has chosen not to publish.

Sir,

We wish to make clear our stance on the Waikato-Auckland pylon row.

We accept that Auckland needs certainty of electricity supply but we are anxious to ensure that all options have been fully explored and that there is transparency in the process.

For example, it is our understanding that the direct current (DC) option, which can transport power on existing lines or underground, as happens overseas, has not been properly examined.

The people of Waikato and South Auckland must be given an absolute assurance by the Electricity Commission and Transpower that they are conducting a full cost-benefit analysis of the DC and other options, including local generation in or closer to Auckland.

They must also ensure there is full consultation throughout, and that, whichever option is finally chosen, there is full and generous compensation for any landowners affected.

Judith Collins, MP for Clevedon
Lindsay Tisch, MP for Piako
Paul Hutchison, MP for Port Waikato

I trust this clarifies our stance.

ENDS

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