Proposed 400kv Lines Affect Natural Beauty

In a submission lodged with Transpower two years ago, the council pointed out that the western route proposed for the massive 400kv line would adversely affect the natural character of Lakes Arapuni and Karapiro, and that the scheme failed to protect the outstanding landscape through the lakes area.

As well, said the submission, the proposed route failed to recognise the unique relationship between Maori and their ancestral lands in the area, and it failed to protect historic heritage from inappropriate development.

Waipa District Council deputy CEO Garry Dyet says the council is the only one of the seven local authorities along the proposed powerline route to Auckland that has an

agreement with Transpower that puts limits on height and volume of powerlines through its area.

“Under our agreement, Transpower is limited to 110kv lines through Waipa District, and to a maximum pylon height of 25 metres,” he says.

But now that the seven affected local authorities have agreed to combine their submissions to the processing authority, and Environment Waikato has been appointed as the main advocate on their behalf, there is concern that Waipa’s agreed restrictions may be overlooked or bypassed.

But our council has put together an advocacy team which is

 now working to strongly oppose any impact on our landscape by these proposed power lines,” says Mr Dyet.

“We have some very special landscapes in that area – they have been described as iconic, even by Transpower themselves,  and the area is certainly outstanding in the context of the Waikato region.

“It has beautiful river valleys, the river terraces, the lakes, and Maungatautari, all adjacent to State Highway One, and it’s a special attraction to those who go through that area.”

Click here to read the press statement issued by Waipa Mayor Alan Livingston.