The Kaukapakapa Area Residents and Ratepayers Association Inc. (KARRA) opposes the Rodney Power Station proposal in its entirety. Our principal concerns include:

• Genesis Energy’s proposal is contrary to local and central government planning policies. The 48ha site borders a 300ha area designated an ‘Outstanding Natural Landscape’ and a ‘Significant Natural Area’ by local councils. The Kaukapakapa River is a protected inland waterway – yet Genesis want to discharge up to 1,900 m3 of contaminated and heated water (up to 36.9 degrees) into it each day!

• Genesis state that the Rodney Plant will emit up to 1.74 million tonnes of CO2 each year

• Genesis claim the Rodney Plant is necessary for "security of supply". Information from the Ministry of Economic Development and generators shows that by 2012, more than twice the new generation needed to meet demand should be operating.

• Estimates are that the Rodney Power Station will cost taxpayers $500 million to build. Gas supplies are dwindling, gas prices have tripled in recent years, and Genesis have suggested importing LNG to run the plant. Thermal plants like Rodney will incur a carbon tax, further increasing how much you pay for electricity. With wind, hydro, geothermal, tidal and wave generation the fuel is plentiful and free!

• Allowing an industrial development to be built in a General Rural zone will set a precedent, encouraging further industrial development around this particular site and in other rural areas outside Auckland's Metropolitan Urban Limits (MULs).