Kāpiti Coast District Council is seeking feedback on a draft policy to manage applications from telecommunications network operators who wish to use Council land or buildings for telecommunications installations.

Kāpiti Coast District Council is seeking feedback on a draft policy to manage applications from telecommunications network operators who wish to use Council land or buildings for telecommunications installations.

Council Assets & Services Group Manager, Gary Simpson, said the need for such a policy was sparked by the debate that surrounded the installation of a cellphone antenna on the Trig Hill Reserve in Waikanae by Vodafone New Zealand.

“We are keen that any future applications can be managed through a transparent process involving the community and the elected members in any decisions.”

Mr Simpson said there is a continuing demand from telecommunications operators for sites to set up cellular antennae and/or to upgrade existing equipment on existing sites.

“This draft policy seeks to acknowledge the commercial reality of telecommunications networks and makes a distinction between companies with network operator status and the rights they have to install equipment within the road corridor.

“When they want to use land or property belonging to Council as a site to locate equipment, then the policy makes it clear what process is needed.”