Vodafone keeps “mum” over mast

BY DIANA WORTHY

A meeting between Vodafone and Surfdale mast site protestors has failed to produce any outcome as the island's MP, city councillors, and community board members battle on for a solution.

The meeting in Parnell last week was arranged by Auckland City Council councillor Aaron Bhatnager in response to concerns from unhappy Surfdale residents.

It was attended by protestors, two Vodafone representatives, emissions inter-agency scientist Dr David Black, Auckland City Council councillors Denise Roche and Aaron Bhatnager, and Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye.

Cell mast protestors Andrew Crawford, Stephanie Honeychurch, Doctor Stuart Reuben, and neighbours have been worried about the imminent erection of cell phone masts on top of Waiheke Bowling Club in Marama Avenue.

Vodafone recently sent letters and information to residents surrounding the club, saying it planned to erect the masts later this month.

The three protestors have been battling for 18 months to get Vodafone to talk to neighbours and review its plans, with a petition going to parliament signed by hundreds of residents.

But they are unclear whether there will be any change of plan by Vodafone, saying the meeting did not produce any promise of a re-think or extra time.

Andrew Crawford says Vodafone national site acquisition manager Justin Rae told the meeting the build would go ahead as planned, despite pleas for more time from Ms Kaye and Mr Bhatnagar.

A Vodafone spokesman has since declined to answer questions about whether there will be any deferment of the build, when it is happening, or if the company is looking for other sites.

Instead, his statement says, “Justin met with the residents and says it was a very constructive meeting.

“He took along a medical/health advisor to talk through any concerns and he was able to explain some of the issues from the medical point of view.”

Ms Kaye agrees with Mr Rae that the meeting was productive and confirms Dr Black explained medical issues.

But she believes communities should be involved in the location of cell sites and has vowed to continue working with Ms Roche, Mr. Bhatnager, and Waiheke Community Board member Eileen Evans to seek an alternative site.

“There was a strong desire by the Surfdale residents at the meeting to shift the site regardless of Vodafone’s assurances that the international evidence shows there is no health effects from sites.”

“All governments and organisations can do is take what they consider is the expert scientific evidence on a particular issue.

“I understand that there is unlikely to be a meeting of the minds by different groups on the science of this. I think it is important to note that the select committee did recommend a review of the composition of the interagency committee that looks at this evidence as parliamentarians. We want to ensure that we have the best people looking at the scientific evidence.”

“However, regardless of the scientific debate I believe that communities have a right to be properly engaged regarding the location of cell sites and all possible viable sites should be investigated.”

Ms Kaye says she will investigate to see if there are any other viable sites, along with councillors and community board members over the coming weeks.

“If there are not, Vodafone has said it will proceed with this site.”

- Waiheke Marketplace