Council and Transpower join forces for park replanting

Trees growing close to Transpower’s transmission lines in Waikanae Park are being removed and replaced with species that won’t be a hazard to the network and park users.

The two high-voltage 220kv (220,000 volt) transmission lines connect between Bunnythorpe and Haywards and help transfer bulk electricity.

They also connect to the Paraparaumu substation and supply the Ka¯ piti district with power.

The four-year project in conjunction with Transpower and Ka¯piti Coast District Council starts in the next few weeks.

Transpower has been trimming the trees in the park for some time, service delivery manager for the area, Dylan Crighton said.

But the current approach has created a dangerous hedged corridor of topped and unattractive trees through the park, requiring constant maintenance.

“Having to regularly come along and trim the trees in the park is not ideal,” he said.

“There are ongoing risks that need to be managed to keep our crews and the public safe while we do that work.

“When this opportunity came up to work with Ka¯piti Coast District Council to remove and replace the problem trees with more suitable and lower-growing species we jumped at it. While initially, the work might involve leaving some bare patches in the park, through the progressive planting programme undertaken by the council and Kapiti’s excellent climate, the new portfolio of vegetation is expected to be a vast improvement on what is there now.

“We know that the park is a big part of the community and that’s why we’re working with Transpower to replant the area,” council operations manager Tony Martin said.

“Transpower is supporting our planting programme with $10,000 a year for four years.”

To find out more about Transpower’s full programme of work over the four years, visit their project page: transpower.co.nz