Proposed cell tower ruffles feathers in Twizel

Twizel's community board is calling for consultation as it launches a petition against a third cell tower in the town centre.

Community board chairperson Mary Murdoch said the tower would be built in the town centre, between the car park and tennis courts, despite two existing towers already standing within 200m of the site.

Murdoch criticised the lack of consultation, saying under the Telecommunications Act 2001, Connexa could install the tower in Twizel's road reserve area without consent or consultation.

"This lack of consultation is just another example where we feel decisions are being made that impact our community, where the question isn't being asked whether this is good for our community or not."

A Connexa spokeswoman the new tower would address the surge in demand during holiday periods, and the company planned to meet with council representatives later this month.

However, Murdoch said the community board, mayor and councillors were not in favour of the installation, with council officers asking Connexa to carry out consultation.

Murdoch claimed the company directed council officers back to the Act.

"The Mackenzie District Council do not have any powers to change this decision and there appears to be no room for any refusal on the consent process," Murdoch said.

A Mackenzie District Council spokesperson confirmed Murdoch's account, saying the council had encouraged Connexa to engage with the community.

"Council suggested that Connexa might like to consider undertaking some community engagement. However, they are not required to do so."

The spokesperson said the council had no control over the location or installation of the cell tower as legislation dictated the guidelines, saying it was a matter for Connexa.

Under the National Code of Practise for Utility Operators' Access to Transport Corridors, Connexa is only required to inform affected parties before installation, not consult them.

Connexa is also a declared network operator under the Telecommunications Act, a status that lets it build under the National Environmental Standards for Telecommunication Facilities (NESTF) rather than through standard council consent processes.

Towers meeting NESTF criteria are classed as a permitted activity, requiring no consent or consultation.

The Twizel community board planned to form a designated Marketplace Plan, but Murdoch said this would be limited if the tower was in place.

Murdoch formed a petition on Monday 14 September, calling for Connexa to consult with the community and encouraging residents to contact the company directly.

The petition would be provided to Mackenzie Mayor Scott Aronsen and Connexa.

"We are optimistic that Connexa will then come and have a discussion with the community they are impacting, and have a meaningful conversation about whether this particular location is appropriate."

Connexa planning and engagement lead Fiona Matthews said the new tower was needed to address the sharp rise in users over the holiday period.

"Spark has previously deployed temporary infrastructure in the town during peak summer periods to help meet demand. This new facility will help improve network reliability and resilience for residents, businesses and visitors."

The tower would carry Spark's mobile network equipment, working alongside Twizel's existing towers to boost capacity, she said.

She said Connexa assessed multiple sites before choosing the Marketplace location, weighing technical, safety and regulatory requirements and would be designed to integrate with existing infrastructure.

"The site has been designed to integrate with the existing streetscape by replacing an existing light pole and locating the infrastructure within an established parking and community facility environment."

Matthews said Connexa was continuing to engage with the community through its information line and planned to meet council representatives later this month to discuss the project and concerns.

Subject to approvals, construction was expected to start later this year, with further communication to be provided before work began.

"The proposal is currently being considered through Mackenzie District Council's resource consent process as a controlled activity. Prior to construction commencing, further communication will be provided to nearby residents and businesses."

Matthews said Connexa remained committed to engaging with the community, council and local representatives, and a letter would soon be sent to residents and businesses advising them of the construction.