Fines issued for fishing near Cook Strait power cables

Transpower has issued fines for fishing near the Cook Strait power cables, which transfer 15% of New Zealand’s power between islands and are due for replacement in 2032. The protection zone prohibits fishing and anchoring, with fines ranging from $1000 to $20,000, and the maximum fine for damaging the cables being $250,000. The cables are inspected annually, with a plan for replacement already underway due to an increased likelihood of failure in the 2030s.

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