Latest Transpower Proposal Unacceptable

Media release
6 June 2006

Latest Transpower Proposal Unacceptable

The latest proposal to build a power transmission line from Waikato to Auckland has been described as unacceptable by Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis. The plan would see pylons built through Clevedon, in the east of Manukau City.

He says Transpower’s proposal is no improvement on the earlier plan, and is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. “Transpower must believe the public is either stupid or naive. But people will not be fooled and Transpower is going to have to come up with another proposal that is acceptable.”

The Council was strongly opposed to Transpower’s earlier plan, as well as the latest one, due to major concerns about the environmental impacts in the areas the overhead line would pass through. The Council believes the line should be placed underground to minimise its impact.

Sir Barry believes the situation will not be resolved without the Government stepping in to ensure there is a secure transmission route that is acceptable to local communities and does not have negative effects on the environment.

“There must be a robust process to determine all options, including extensive community consultation.”

ENDS