Transpower told to bring in experts to address iwi concerns

Transpower was told to bring in engineers, public health experts and cultural advisers to address the concerns of iwi over its 400kV pylon project.

Members of north Waikato's Horahora Marae were disappointed by the network's presentation at Sunday's consultation meeting.

"Where were the experts to give the hard answers to the hard questions?" marae committee member Hani Moana wanted to know.

She said there was confusion at the meeting, with many Ngati Naho members believing they had been invited to approve or reject the project.

"At the end of the day, we all know they are determined to go ahead with the project..."

Transpower communications manager Chris Roberts said the hui was not about getting the approval of iwi.

"It's not a negotiation process. We are not seeking advice -- we already know what the solution is."

Mrs Moana said the hapu were shown maps of the two alternative routes for the proposed transmission lines.

"The eastern route would be preferable but it leads through mountainous country so it's the most expensive option," she said.

It would take time to canvass the views of Horahora's 1600 marae members, Mrs Moana said.

"I believe Transpower is receptive to working around wahi tapu (sacred sites) when it comes to positioning the pylons but we need much better quality information."

Mr Roberts said Transpower expected the issue to end up in the Environment Court or High Court.

He said obtaining resource consent and going through community consultation would mean the Whakamaru to Otahuhu transmission project could not begin before 2007.

- NZPA