TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 1
FRIDAY JULY 26, 2019
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11,650 copies (inc Otorohanga) Your Local Independent Paper
JULY 26, 2019
Spark given options Lobby group’s three answers to 5G plan By Caitlan Johnston
Three alternative sites have been suggested for Pirongia’s proposed 5G cell tower – lifting optimism in the community that Spark will reconsider its plans.
A proposal to place the 20-metre tower on private commercial land near Pirongia School was met with a wave of opposition two weeks ago and led to a public meeting. Spark says the tower is needed in a commu-
Alternate tower sites
nity where data use has grown 600 per cent in three years, but the proposed site upset residents. Members of the Pirongia Tower Action group met Spark last week. The group included Pirongia Ward Councillor Claire St Pierre and a specialist engaged by the Waipā District Council to identify alternative sites. Claire St Pierre said she was very happy that Spark appeared to be listening to the lobby group. Alternative sites suggested include the Pirongia Golf Club, Penny Road near the
Spark’s initial proposal
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Transpower tower and within the road reserve adjacent to State Highway 39. “What a difference a couple of weeks has made,” Pirongia Tower Action Group spokesperson Jane Shaw said. “The feeling of fear, uncertainty and anger experienced by many individuals is turning to glimmers of optimism and a sense that perhaps big businesses and small communities can work together to find a different site.” It is understood Spark is running a feasibility assessment of sites, and will review legal and regulatory requirements, geotechnical assessments and the costs of construction. It is expected the assessment will take six to eight weeks and it is hoped when this is done the action group will hold another community meeting and residents will have an opportunity to vote for their preferred site. It could be two years before the tower is erected and operating. The action group will also meet Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger (National) next Friday to investigate the possibility of regulatory change. It believes present regulations are inconsistent and there is a need for a “level playing field” between using rural and urban land. It is also concerned that regulations around 5G towers are too loose. In a statement released earlier this month the group said “whether big businesses should be allowed to make decisions that potentially affect the health, environment, outlook and property value of a community without their involvement or consultation is something Pirongia’s community will be taking to Jacinda.” Continued on page 3