Power in Partnerships as New Substation Officially Opened
Left to Right: Ricky Mita (Ngati Tahu – Ngati Whaoa), Ross Shepherd (Landcorp Farming), Danny Gough (Unison), Evelyn Forrest (Ngati Tahu – Ngati Whaoa), April Mainland (Wairakei Estate), Len Gould (Unison). Situated at the Te Toke Marae.
Unison Networks officially opened its new Te Toke Substation in Taupo yesterday, stating the project showcased different parties working together for a common purpose.
The construction of the substation, including stringing six heavy duty conductor wires across the Waikato River, was a key milestone in the Wairakei Estate dairy conversion project.
Unison’s Customer Relations Manager, Danny Gough said the construction was made possible with the support of the Wairakei Estate team, Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa Iwi and Taupo District Council.
“This project is significant in its magnitude, and a project of this scale cannot be completed in isolation,” said Mr Gough.
“It is testament to how working closely with key stakeholders can produce wider benefits for all those involved.”
Wairakei Estate is a long-term development project and is managed by leaseholder, Landcorp Farming.
“Unison has invested a significant amount of time and energy into developing strong, lasting relationships with local stakeholders to ensure the project meets both the long-term needs of the customer, and also benefits to the wider community.”
Unison will also be aiding the Iwi in the upgrade of its power supply, to meet the needs of Te Toke Marae following planned renovations later this year.