Debate over radio mast

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The future of the radio mast at Saxton Field now depends on whether the Nelson City Council can convince Radio New Zealand that an alternative mast is sufficient for its needs and it can therefore be moved.
Last week Radio NZ transmission manager Gary Fowles told Nelson Weekly that all investigations into where the mast could go have been exhausted. He says the possibility of using the Radio Rhema mast was looked at and discounted years ago because it didn’t have the reach of their current site.
NCC dropped funding to help move the mast in its last long term plan but Nelson mayor Aldo Miccio says despite that the mast needs to be moved and he has concerns over it as a safety risk. He says the council is working with its own experts and Radio Rhema to convince Radio NZ that’s its mast is powerful enough to reach the remote rural areas that it needs.
“Radio NZ are still sceptical that the mast can deliver the same output but we are working now at showing Radio NZ that in terms of frequency and bandwidth, Radio Rhema’s mast can actually deliver better outcomes than the Saxton Field mast.”
The aerial was built in the late 40s or early 50s, on land acquired by the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation through the Public Works Act. The land surrounding the aerial is leased back to the council for the use of sports fields.
Aldo says if Radio NZ agrees to the move it can be done “virtually overnight” and at very little cost.
“In my view it’s a health risk for the children, adults and parents that play sport out there so it’s really important we move it as quickly as possible.”