Telecommunications tower on Mt Putauaki to be removed

The old radio communications site is to be removed from Mt Putauaki in the Bay of Plenty.

Work to decommission and remove Transpower's telecommunications tower and associated facilities on top of Mt Putauaki will start next month.

The old radio communications site, which was relocated to Mt Putauaki more than 20 years ago, was no longer required and will be removed from the mountain top together with the associated building.

The tower, one of two on the mountain, is located on the western peak.

Mt Putauaki, also known as Mt Edgecumbe, lies 50km east of Rotorua and 3km east of Kawerau.

Transpower's corporate communications manager, Rebecca Wilson, said the project team had been working with the owner of the land, Nga Maunga Kaitiaki Trust Board, and the local iwi, including Ngati Awa and Ngati Tuwharetoa Bay of Plenty to plan for the culturally safe decommissioning and removal of the assets.

"It's been important for us to work closely with the mana whenua and the landowner to ensure we preserve respect for the maunga given the site is within a waahi tapu area.

"We are appreciative of their assistance and advice in ensuring a smooth decommissioning process, while respecting the cultural requirements of the area."

Ms Wilson said the equipment would be removed entirely by helicopter to keep disturbance of the wider area to a minimum and minimise disruption to the surrounding vegetation.

The work was scheduled to begin within the next month, weather permitting, and would take until December to complete.

People in the area may notice increased helicopter activity in the area while this work is being undertaken.