Action heats up over cell mast fears

BY DIANA WORTHY

A battle to get fears heard by government over health effects from cell mast emissions are another step closer thanks to MPs and a reported pledge from the prime minister.

Manukau mayor Len Brown is claiming prime minister John Key has told him he will recommend a review to Cabinet.

It would be about the lack of consultation requirements in the National Environmental Standards for telecommunication facilities.

Meanwhile, Auckland Central National MP Nikki Kaye, Labour list MP Phil Twyford, and Green MP Sue Kedgely are all offering help to get Waiheke voices heard.

Miss Kaye has forwarded a request from a Surfdale campaign group for one of its members to appear before the Local Government and Environment select committee.

The group wants permission for member Stuart Reuben to present medical research showing how phone mast emissions can threaten health.

Surfdale resident Dr Reuben is an internationally recognised scientist pressing for a re-think over the National Environmental Standard for radio frequencies.

Now Dr Reuben along with other core campaigners Andrew Crawford and Stephanie Honeychurch are waiting to know if the request will be granted.

They say it is important the committee is presented with independent evidence before it finishes its deliberations from recent petition hearings on the issue.

Both Miss Kaye and Mr Twyford are members of that committee.

Last February the group organised a 700-signature petition against cell mast proposals, with Miss Kaye pledging to "walk the petition" herself to environment minister Nick Smith.

Now Labour MP Phil Twyford has also offered help and will be meeting with the group on 23 November.

He says he has already heard from many other community groups on the issue and concerns are being discussed by the select committee.

Mr Twyford says it is clear there is no conclusive evidence internationally on the health effects of exposure to radio frequency fields but it is important to act with caution.

"There's enough concern here and abroad that exposure to electro-magnetic radiation from cell phone towers could have an effect in the future.

"So we need to take the precautionary principal to undertake further research - and for government to base its policy on the precautionary principal.

"Labour is calling on government to review the New Zealand Standard for radio frequency fields to ensure it is still in line with best practice.

"We (Labour) are calling on government to review the membership of the interagency committee on this issue. We want to ensure greater community representation and expertise and research assessment. We want the government to consider how the regulatory environment can be improved so infrastructure can be developed in the interests of the community.

"I'm meeting the group on Waiheke and will do whatever I can to help."

Tonight campaigner Green MP Sue Kedgeley will be at a free public meeting at Surfdale Hall from 6pm. The meeting will include a pot-luck supper.

Residents will be able to hear Ms Kedgeley's views about the right to consultation before towers can be erected and health threats.

She believes the countrywide growth of cell towers was partly sparked by the introduction of a new law and the passing of the National Environmental Standard by the last government.

Ms Kedgely claims the standard was drawn up by the telcos and is one of the most permissive in the world.

- Waiheke Marketplace