Transpower chief executive Alison Andrew today confirmed a maintenance crew had removed the nuts of three legs of the pylon last Thursday. She said the proper maintenance procedures were not followed and called the improper work “unprecedented and inconceivable”.
Brown said the removal of the nuts was the cause of the collapse: “This is obviously what happened, particularly as the base plates on the lifted side show no distortion. I am making this assessment well before any official investigation, which will just confirm exactly what I am saying.”
Following Andrew’s confirmation, Brown said: “Transpower has now confirmed everything I have already said. Too many bolts were removed at once”.
He called for accountability from Transpower’s leadership team.
“Failures like this need to see some heads roll, or the consequences - which are felt by many - will not be fully understood, nor will the lessons be learned.
“Many will be quick to blame the contract workers, but the buck stops with the leadership team.
“Transpower has a fleet of well-paid managers who oversee the maintenance contracts, but often with too many management layers between the board and the workers on site,” he said.
On top of Transpower’s investigation, Brown said he would be asking the Electricity Authority to review the incident and he was considering a Government review.
Authority chief executive Sarah Gillies has confirmed it will be undertaking a review after the minister’s statement.
“Electricity consumers need to have confidence their electricity supply is as reliable as possible. Our review will seek that assurance on behalf of consumers,” Gillies said.
Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.
