Roads have been cleared for the Transpower's 200km-long transmission link project worth $824 million, with the firm having received necessary approvals for connecting Whakamaru to southern Auckland. The firm hoped to beat remaining hurdles in a short time to execute the project, which includes 185km of overhead lines and 10km of underground cable.

Chief Executive of the firm, Patrick Strange, said that foundation work is expected to start by this summer, while discussions are going on with affected land owners to resolve all disputes for the remaining 30 per cent route.

Mr. Strange said: "We are pleased that we have a final decision. However, we recognize that receiving approval is just one piece of the challenge in building a project of this size. We will be working with individually affected landowners, as well as community bodies, and where possible, will help to provide solutions to their specific concerns."

The country's largest infrastructure project, aimed at ensuring supply in upper North Island, got overwhelming response from investors, with the Environment Ministry having received 1244 applications from different firms. Recruitment and procurement is going on, while negotiations with affected landowners are expected to yield results in a short time.