Transpower is reminding boaties and users of Cook Strait of the undersea electricity and data cables that connect the South and North Islands.
The cables move electricity and data between the North and South Islands.
“The cables are an essential piece of our national infrastructure, they keep the power flowing for New Zealanders and we need to take care of them,” said Mark Ryall, Transpower’s general manager Grid Delivery.
“The Cook Strait Cable Protection Zone exists to ensure our electricity supply is protected. The zone is an area of Cook Strait where no one can fish or put down an anchor – this is to ensure that the cables are not accidentally disturbed or damaged. Activities including fishing using nets, pots, lines, and diving are also prohibited,” he said.
Boaties are asked that if they are out on the water in the Cook Strait to take the time to look at a map so that they know where the cables are.
“A damaged cable could cause significant disruption to electricity and communications systems for New Zealanders as well as costing millions and taking many months to fix. We need boaties to take precautions not to damage the cables,” said Ryall.
“Transpower is keen to help educate those fishing or boating in the Cook Strait to ensure the cables are protected.”