Louise MacLeod with her 2-year-old daughter Alice at Titirangi Kindergarten. Photo / Dean Purcell

Louise MacLeod with her 2-year-old daughter Alice at Titirangi Kindergarten. Photo / Dean Purcell

Parents say they will pull their children out of a Waitakere City kindergarten to keep them away from "killer rays" if a planned electrical substation is built next door.

Louise MacLeod is among the parents of 90 children at Titirangi Kindergarten who are protesting against Vector's plans to build a substation 30m from the centre, which is attended by children aged 3 to 5.

Mrs MacLeod, whose son attends the kindy, says many parents are planning to take their children out of the centre if the station is built because of health risks.

She pointed to a study by the stakeholder advisory group ELF-EMFs (electromagnetic frequencies) carried out last year, which looked into the effects on people of electromagnetic frequencies.

"Research has shown that high levels of radiation have links to childhood leukaemia," Mrs MacLeod said. "They [Vector] have said the electromagnetic frequencies is like having an iron on. A full substation? No.

"Nobody is going to be an idiot and put their child there."

The report, which was written to advise the British Government on policies relating to electromagnetic frequencies and health, showed that high exposure had links to various illnesses, including childhood cancers, adult leukaemia and miscarriage.

"In New Zealand you can live under a pylon and it's okay. But it's not okay," Mrs MacLeod said. "You don't put pylons or substations near a school. I'm just staggered by [Vector]. I just can't believe how stupid they are."

Waitakere ward councillor Paul Mitchell acknowledged that the site was designated for Vector in the early 1980s. The kindergarten was established in 1973.

"I'm no expert on rays and magnetic forces and things - I don't think anyone knew about that back then - but it's certainly a concern."

Mr Mitchell said the city council was working closely with Vector to find an alternative site. "The community doesn't want it there and I tend to agree. If they can get it out of the town centre, that would be good, but it's proving difficult."

Head teacher Amy Drinnan said she and her staff were unable to comment on behalf of the kindergarten, but as a member of the community, she was "gutted".

Links with EMF levels and child cancers were what was most alarming, Miss Drinnan said.