Media Release
Tuesday 24 October 2006

Latest Transpower grid proposal not acceptable

Transpower’s proposed changes to its upgrade of the National Grid are not acceptable, says Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis.

The plan has been released today. It includes changes to the route through Manukau. The new designated start point of the under grounding has been shifted slightly south to a property owned by Transpower. From there the line would run under ground to the Pakuranga substation initially, and in future to the Otahuhu substation.

Sir Barry says the under grounding should be extended further south. “Rural areas in Manukau where there are established communities, or where there may be urban housing development in the future, should not have a chain of large pylons inflicted upon them because the pylons would be so visually prominent.

“The Transpower proposal is a marginal improvement on the previous plan but is still not acceptable.”

ENDS

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