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Dear Mr Jones

 

We refer to your email dated 8 July 2022, requesting information relating
to NPDC's implementation of 5G, all information regarding 5G Masts, small
cells, Antennas and lighting within NPDC’s area of operations. You were
also seeking to clarify the frequencies & levels of radiation being
emitted by each local mast, small cell, antenna and lighting.

 

We have considered your request under the Local Government Official
Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) and respond in italics below
using your numbering:

 

1.       Copies of NPDC’s Risk assessments, for each small cell, mast,
antenna and the post/position of the person responsible for signing each
device off as safe.
NPDC has not implemented 5G technology. We do not hold the information
requested.

a.       Copies of the Safety analysis information in relation to the
levels of radiation exposure –
We do not hold the information requested.

b.      Copies of the record of testing that would have taken place to
demonstrate safety for local residents and
We do not hold the information requested.

c.       The name of the individual responsible for signing tests/records
as equipment is safe.
We do not hold the information requested.

d.      List of NPDC infrastructure, properties, buildings that 5G Smart
technology is installed or used.
NPDC does not have any infrastructure or buildings where 5G smart
technology is installed or used.

2.       A copy of NPDC local government liability Insurance covering all
safety aspects from masts, antenna, mono[1]poles, small cells and street
lighting.
NPDC holds public liability insurance cover for protection of legal
liability associated with business of Council.

3.       How can residents report EMF radiation injuries?
It is considered that this question does not constitute a request for
information under the LGOIMA, but is rather in the nature of a question.
The Council is therefore not obliged to answer the question under the
Act.  However, NPDC  has treated this request for confirmation as a
request for information under the LGOIMA and considered your request
accordingly. 

a.       Please give confirmation as to the compensation procedures for
any harm caused.
As above, please see our response to question 3.

4.       Please name the person and their position/post within NPDC who
has responsibility for liability of 5G and smart technology roll out.
Steve McIntosh, Chief Information Officer

5.       Confirm how much funding NPDC has received from Government or any
other (affiliated) companies for 5G and smart technology to be placed in
the local area.
NPDC has not received any funding from the Government for 5G and smart
technology in the district. 

6.       What measures, assessments, reports or surveys has NPDC carried
out to ensure that the local environment is being protected against any
potential harm of 5G radiation.
We do not hold the information requested. 

7.       Who is paying for the power/electricity that supplies the masts,
small cells, antenna, mono-poles and street lighting etc.
We do not hold the information requested.

8.       Please confirm what date and location the first mast, mono-pole,
small cell antenna or street light was installed in which areas.
There are a number of cell towers located on Council land and road reserve
in the district however we cannot confirm which (if any) are 5G. 
Installation of this infrastructure is undertaken pursuant to various
legislation including the Telecommunications Act 2001, Resource Management
Act 1991 and relevant regulations made thereunder and any applicable
District Plan requirements.   

9.       Please confirm how often and how many safety tests have been
carried out since installation of 5G equipment. Please explain what type
of safety tests is being carried out for example Electrosmog meter
testing.
NPDC has not installed 5G equipment. Therefore we do not hold the
information requested.

10.   In addition, if NPDC cannot provide proof of safety assessments
being conduct by Council and/or any other third-party organization or
affiliated companies what is NPDC’s liability cover/protection if they are
not removed or turned off until such time that data has been provided to
showcase that it is safe.
NPDC has not installed 5G equipment. Therefore we do not hold the
information requested.

11.   Please confirm that NPDC health and safety organization,
Councillors, Mayor and executive board are aware that even though we can’t
see it, radio-frequency/microwave radiation (RF-MWR), is a hazardous,
xenobiotic (foreign-to-life) agent, and a significant source of harmful
environmental pollution. Duration of exposure to these micro-second pulses
of electrical power, in addition to rate of intensity, are most important
factors for biological life on Earth.
It is considered that this question does not constitute a request for
information under the LGOIMA, but is rather in the nature of a question.
The Council is therefore not obliged to answer the question under the
Act.  However, NPDC  has treated this request for confirmation as a
request for information under the LGOIMA and considered your request
accordingly. 

 

In relation to your questions numbered 1, 3, 6, 7 and 9-11 the information
you are seeking is not held by NPDC but would need to be created in order
to respond to your request. We are therefore refusing your request under
section 17(g) of the LGOIMA, because NPDC does not hold any official
information.

 

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
[1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz

 

Regards

 

Steve McIntosh

Chief Information Officer

 

New Plymouth District Council | Liardet St | Private Bag 2025 | New
Plymouth 4342
Ph: +64 6 759 6060  |  Mobile: +64 21 470816

[2]www.newplymouthnz.com | [3]Facebook | [4]Twitter

 

 

Response attributed to Steve McIntosh, Chief Information Officer.  Emailed
by Sharon Bruce Customer Services Lead in Steve’s absence.

 

Ngâ mihi

 

Sharon Bruce

Customer Services Lead

 

New Plymouth District Council | Liardet St | Private Bag 2025 | New
Plymouth 4340 | Ph 06-759 6060

[5]www.npdc.govt.nz | [6]Facebook | [7]Twitter

 

[8]cid:image003.jpg@01D635A5.62C7B720

 

 

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