Power station meets opposition

Controversial plans by Vector to build a new 33,000 volt power substation in Titirangi are being opposed by a number of residents.

The company plans to start work on the station at 515 South Titirangi Rd next year to improve the reliability and quality of the electricity supply.

Nannette Doering has helped form the Substation Action Group in a bid to block the move.

The organisation held a public meeting last week.

High on its list of concerns are fears that electro magnetic fields transmitted from the station will have detrimental health effects.

"We are aware of safety issues like this and people don’t want this electro pollution in the village," Mrs Doering says. "Especially when it’s so close to the kindergarten, the playcentre and the RSA.

"It will be just five metres from our house.

"The council can’t allow something like this to go ahead."

Waitakere city councillor Paul Mitchell attended the meeting and says a lot of people are against the idea.

"There’s a lot of opposition to it as you would expect.

"The council is clearly keen to do anything it can to help the situation."

Mr Mitchell says the council’s chief executive will meet with Vector this week to see if an alternative site can be found.

Vector spokeswoman Philippa White says the company is aware of health concerns and follows strict international guidelines.

"Vector designs its electricity network using the cautionary approach endorsed by the World Health Organisation," she says.

"All of Vector’s electrical lines and equipment are installed at distance, insulated and shielded to minimise electric and magnetic fields outside the substation building."

Ms White says the property was designated as a site for a future substation to cater for future growth in the area after it was bought in 1985.

But she says the company will meet with the council and consider its options.

"We will remain open to alternative sites."

Call 817-6772 for information on the Substation Action Group or go to www.voltageshock.co.nz.