Latest news with #PeterMcClean
Otago Daily Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Monowai's electrifying 100 years
One of New Zealand's earliest renewable energy assets and Southland's first power station will turn 100 years old this week. The Monowai hydro station has played a vital role in powering Southland and supporting the wider New Zealand electricity network. While celebrating the milestone, stakeholders were looking into challenges to keep the asset operating for the future, so it could keep providing "clean, sustainable energy". Nestled at the confluence of the Monowai and Waiau rivers, the scheme was first investigated in 1919 by the Southland Electric Power Board and two years later — in February 1921 — construction of the station started. On May 1, 1925, the asset was officially opened with two machines, and a third one was commissioned in 1927. About a decade later, in 1936, the government bought the station and in 1939 it was connected to the national power grid. Pioneer Energy bought the scheme in 2002 and its chief executive Peter McClean said the asset was vital for Southland's development because it was the primary source of electricity for many years. "It's not just a power station — it's a part of the region's identity and history. "For the Southland community, Monowai represents innovation, resilience, and the power of working together." He said they were "incredibly proud" to celebrate a century of operation of the plant, because it was such a big achievement. The water from Lake Monowai — which covers 31sq km — flowed through a carefully engineered system of canals, pipelines, penstocks and a fish pass which ensured not only power generation, but also supported local ecology, he said. "The station's design reflects a blend of history and innovation, with manual gates and public easements still in place alongside modern control systems. "Reaching 100 years of continuous operation is a testament to the foresight of those who built Monowai, the generations of skilled people who have maintained and improved it and the community that has supported it." Mr McClean believed the future of the asset would remain strong as the power station remained an important part of the company's renewable portfolio and they were committed to maintaining it amid challenges to its ageing infrastructure. "With ongoing investment, innovation, and care, we're confident it will continue to play a role in New Zealand's renewable energy future." Guardians of the Lake chairman Darryl Sycamore agreed about the long-term future of the asset. The Guardians oversaw the management of Lake Monowai in terms of lake levels and drawdown. "This is to help maintain natural variation to support the shoreline plant communities which rely on inundation and dry conditions to support their reproductive cycles and maintain community zonation patterns." He said 100 years of operation was a huge achievement and Pioneer should be proud of the way they managed the scheme within Fiordland National Park. "The Monowai Scheme provided a locally significant contribution to Southland's growth. "With increasing energy demand, the local coal-powered stations could not meet demand. "The additional generation enabled the primary sector to thrive. "There is [still] a strong push to increase renewable energy production, so the future of the station remains bright." On Thursday, Pioneer Energy will be hosting an event to celebrate the milestone. The Southland community is invited to take part from 10am at the Monowai lookout. The event would include speeches, the unveiling of a plaque to celebrate the anniversary and a facility tour. Mr McClean said this would be a great opportunity for people to learn more about the past, present and future of an important asset for the region. "It's about celebrating the people behind Monowai as much as the station itself. "We hope the event offers a moment of pride for the region and helps deepen the connection between the station and the community it has served for generations."
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Yahoo
Moment Birmingham armed police swoop on knifeman holding combat knife on city street
This is the moment armed police captured a knifeman who had been openly brandishing a combat blade in Birmingham city centre. A CCTV operator had tracked Peter McClean who was seen brandishing the blade and hiding it up his sleeve on the street. He was detailed while waiting at a bus stop after police were called to the Bath Row area in a shock 8.30am swoop on Monday, March 3. READ MORE: Arcadian triple stabbing probe as police issue CCTV images of men officers want to trace READ MORE: Acocks Green tributes to 'Roger taken too soon' after police car 999 tragedy The 43-year-old, from Birmingham, was charged and later admitted with possession of a bladed article. He was jailed for six months after the hearing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, March 12. In a statement, police said: "A man's been jailed after we responded quickly to reports of someone with a knife in Birmingham city centre. "We were called to the Bath Row area on Monday 3 March, after key city centre partners reported a man carrying a weapon at around 8.30am. "City centre officers, supported by armed colleagues and police dogs rushed to the Bath Row area, seized the knife, and arrested Peter McClean. "The 43-year-old, from Birmingham, was charged with possession of a bladed article and pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates. "On Wednesday 12 March, he was given a six month prison sentence." Speaking after the case, Inspector Dan Thomas, from Birmingham Police, added: 'Outstanding joint work between our officers and city centre partners has seen a dangerous weapon taken off the streets and a man jailed for carrying it. 'Our teams are working tirelessly to keep the public safe, and we will always act on intelligence provided to us.' If you are concerned about suspicious activity, or any issues around anti-social behaviour and drug use, contact us via Live Chat or 101. In an emergency, always call 999, or go to Crimestoppers to anonymously report crime."
