Minister recognises work of councils

9 August 2007

“The decision by the Government to call-in the application for Transpower’s proposed Whakamaru to Auckland transmission line upgrade is a real disappointment for the local government sector. However, we understand the national importance of the proposed upgrade and are prepared to commit to the Board of Inquiry process,” says Basil Morrison, Local Government New Zealand President.

“We have strongly advocated for leaving local decisions in local hands, and working the issues through the relevant local government processes. All the affected councils have worked collaboratively on the process to date and they have made significant progress. We are pleased the Minister has mentioned both the value of the coordinated approach taken by councils, and that councils could have handled the hearings in a professional manner.”

ENDS

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