KEY POINTS:
Transpower has set in motion the process of getting seven councils to agree to its controversial new transmission line through the Waikato to Auckland.
The state-owned grid operator has already received the nod for the project from the Electricity Commission but farmers are vehemently opposed.
Farmers will be able to make submissions in the process launched today by the lodging of Notices of Requirement with councils from South Waikato to South Auckland.
But the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) took the opportunity to lobby for a speedy upgrade of the power supply to Auckland.
The council process is under the Resource Management Act, which business groups are critical of because of the time and cost involved.
"When does the work start," said chief executive Alasdair Thompson.
Once the councils have assessed the application, it will be publicly notified and there will be a call for public submissions.
The councils have agreed to manage the process collaboratively. Environment Waikato has been appointed as coordinator.
Transpower chief executive Ralph Craven said that there has been a substantial amount of preparatory work undertaken between Transpower and the affected local authorities over the past three years and the collaborative approach adopted by the councils was greatly appreciated.
The Notices of Requirement allow Transpower to designate land for construction, operation and maintenance of the new line.
Local government president Basil Morrison said there had been an unparalleled level of interest in the Transpower proposal. It was likely the public submissions process would occur later in June.
Transpower has been buying up farms along the route which it plans to sell once the pylons are built but farmers opposed to the line say the sellers have mostly been lifestyle block owners and many farmers will not sell.
- NZPA
