Appendix 1: Copy of public notice

In accordance with section 44 of the Resource Management Act 1991, the Minister for the Environment gives notice of the Government’s intention to develop two national environmental standards (regulations) for electricity transmission.

The intent of the proposed standards is to ensure adequate protection of the national grid, and national consistency in how the operation, maintenance and upgrading of the grid is managed.

The proposed standards do not cover the construction of new transmission lines. The proposed standards are consistent with the purpose of the Resource Management Act as they promote the use, development and protection of the national grid (a physical resource) in a way that enables people and communities to provide for their social, economic and cultural wellbeing, and their health and safety, while protecting the environment. The proposed standards would do this by controlling (subject to specified limitations):

• the environmental effects of the operation, maintenance and upgrading of the national grid by the grid owner

• activities carried out by third parties adjacent to the national grid which could damage the grid or put it at risk.

A discussion document outlining the subject matter and rationale of the proposed standards has been produced by the Ministry for the Environment to help people make submissions. This document can be viewed at the Ministry for the Environment, 23 Kate Sheppard Place, Thorndon, Wellington and online at www.mfe.govt.nz If you would like a printed copy of the discussion document, free copies are available by emailing your request to orders@mfe.govt.nz or by phoning (04) 439 7467.

Any person can make a submission on the subject matter of the proposed standards. Please include the following information in your submission:

1. Your name, postal address, phone number and email address (if applicable).
2. That you are making a submission on the proposal to develop national environmental standards for electricity transmission.
3. Whether you support or oppose the proposed standards as detailed in the discussion document.
4. Your submission with reasons for your views.
5. Any changes you would like made to the proposed standards as detailed in the discussion document.
6. The decision you would like the Minister for the Environment to make.

Please send your submission to the Ministry for the Environment, PO Box 10362, Wellington or email to standards@mfe.govt.nz by 5 pm on Friday 30 November 2007.