Latest news with #UnisonNetworks
Techday NZ
03-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Unison launches free online Safe Sparks safety lessons for kids
Unison Networks has expanded access to its Safe Sparks electrical safety programme for children by launching an online version, free for families, schools, and community groups across Hawke's Bay, Taupō, and Rotorua. For over two decades, the Safe Sparks Programme has been delivered in classrooms through a combination of indoor and outdoor sessions designed to educate young students about electrical safety. Unison will continue to run these in-person sessions throughout its electricity network regions, but acknowledged that classroom-based visits can only reach a limited number of students each year. The new digital format aims to address this limitation by allowing children to participate wherever and whenever they choose. The programme covers a range of topics, including identifying sources of electricity in the home, understanding how electricity is generated, and developing essential safety skills. It provides practical advice on staying safe around electrical equipment, such as power poles, lines, and distribution boxes in local communities. Rachel Masters, Unison Group General Manager, People, Safety and Culture, commented on the motivation behind extending the initiative online. "Keeping our communities and tamariki safe around electricity is at the heart of everything we do. By taking Safe Sparks digital, we're giving every whānau the opportunity to learn together, whether at home, at after school care, or during the school holidays. It's about building a safer future, one child at a time," Mrs Masters said. The Safe Sparks Digital Programme is designed for children aged 5 to 11 and features interactive elements, including short animated videos, real-life safety guidance, and activities tailored to teach children how electricity works and how to protect themselves, especially in proximity to electricity infrastructure. Since its inception in 2003, the in-person Safe Sparks Programme has reached thousands of students within the company's service areas. The online extension, which was first introduced to schools in 2024, now includes families, holiday programmes, and after-school care providers. In support of the broader community rollout, Unison has introduced spot prizes for participants who complete the online curriculum and submit a short form upon completion. Three participants will receive NZD $100 Prezzy Cards, with entries accepted until the end of October 2025. Rachel Masters encouraged families to utilise the online resource, highlighting its flexibility and accessibility. "It's a great school holiday activity, or something to do on a rainy weekend. The whole programme takes just 15 to 20 minutes, but the learning lasts a lifetime. There's no login required, it's completely free, and families can download a personalised certificate at the end. It's a fun and meaningful activity to do together," Mrs Masters said. Unison is urging parents, caregivers, educators, and community groups to utilise the new online resource and share it widely within their respective networks. The company supplies electricity to over 119,000 customers across Hawke's Bay, Taupō and Rotorua, and the new Safe Sparks Digital Programme represents an additional step in its commitment to public safety and education in the communities it serves.
Scoop
01-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Unison Brings Kids' Electrical Safety Education Online: Free For Families Everywhere
Local lines company, Unison Networks (Unison) is raising the bar for electrical safety education by launching its Digital Safe Sparks Programme to families across Hawke's Bay, Taupō and Rotorua, making it easier than ever for children to learn how to stay safe around electricity. For over 20 years, Unison's Safe Sparks Programme has been delivered in schools through a two-part, indoor and outdoor session. While these visits will continue across Unison's electricity network regions, the company recognises it can only reach a limited number of classrooms each year. The new online version removes that barrier, offering any child, anywhere, anytime the chance to take part. The programme covers topics such as identifying electricity in the home, understanding how it is made, and developing practical safety skills. It also includes important information on Unison's electrical equipment in the community, such as power poles, lines and boxes. Unison Group General Manager People, Safety and Culture, Rachel Masters highlighted the importance of extending the programme's reach. 'Keeping our communities and tamariki safe around electricity is at the heart of everything we do. 'By taking Safe Sparks digital, we're giving every whānau the opportunity to learn together, whether at home, at after school care, or during the school holidays. It's about building a safer future, one child at a time,' Mrs Masters said. Designed for children aged 5 to 11, the interactive online experience features short, animated videos, real-life safety tips, and activities that help children understand how electricity works and how to stay safe, especially near Unison's equipment like power poles, lines and boxes. Unison has delivered its In-person Safe Sparks Programme to thousands of students across its electricity network regions since 2003. The digital version, launched to schools in 2024, has now been extended to include families, after school care providers and holiday programmes. To celebrate the community rollout, Unison is offering spot prizes for those who complete the programme and submit the short form at the end. Three lucky participants will win $100 Prezzy Cards, with entries closing on 31 October 2025. 'It's a great school holiday activity, or something to do on a rainy weekend. The whole programme takes just 15 to 20 minutes, but the learning lasts a lifetime. 'There's no login required, it's completely free, and families can download a personalised certificate at the end. It's a fun and meaningful activity to do together,' Mrs Masters said. Unison encourages parents, caregivers, schools, holiday programmes and after school care providers to explore the resource and share it widely. Start the challenge today at:
Scoop
12-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Transpower Proposes Further Investment In Power Supply For Hawke's Bay
Once the Commerce Commission approve the proposal, Transpower expects to start the work in October 2026 and finish by December 2027. Transpower plans to invest $47.0 million to rebuild its Redclyffe substation to better protect Hawke's Bay's electricity supply against flooding and earthquakes. The national electricity transmission grid owner submitted a proposal to the Commerce Commission today for approval to rebuild the main 220kV switchyard on the existing site, raising essential equipment out of the reach of potential flood waters. Transpower's Executive General Manager Grid Development Matt Webb said this is another aspect of the work to rebuild the substation after it was flooded during Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023. 'After Cyclone Gabrielle, we made a commitment to the people of Hawke's Bay to make their region's power supply more resilient to extreme weather and seismic events,' he said. 'Residents can be confident that our interim upgrades have protected their power supply, and the work we're proposing now will make Redclyffe substation flood resilient to a 1-in-450-year flooding event and much more resilient to earthquakes. 'For the people of Napier, Hastings and surrounding areas, that would mean the power is more likely to stay on during catastrophic weather events like Cyclone Gabrielle.' Mr Webb said Transpower has already completed significant work at Redclyffe substation to improve security of supply in the region since Cyclone Gabrielle. Interim upgrades to the 110 kV switchyard were made in 2023 to make the equipment there more resilient to flooding, and an interim 220 kV control room has also been installed above the flood level. A new 220 kV/110 kV interconnecting transformer is currently being installed that will significantly boost reliability of electricity supply in the region. Under New Zealand's electricity transmission regulatory framework, the Commerce Commission reviews and approves Transpower's work plans to ensure investment is cost-effective and in the long-term interests of New Zealanders. 'We've engaged extensively with local communities on our plans for the region alongside our local lines company partner Unison Networks,' Mr Webb said. 'We believe this is the most cost-effective approach that also takes into account growing demand for electricity in the region. We have strong support from key stakeholders for our proposal and we look forward to the Commerce Commission rigorously testing our plans and costings.' Once the Commerce Commission approve the proposal, Transpower expects to start the work in October 2026 and finish by December 2027. The work can be completed without any impact to local electricity supply, Mr Webb said.
Scoop
12-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Transpower Proposes Further Investment In Power Supply For Hawke's Bay
Transpower plans to invest $47.0 million to rebuild its Redclyffe substation to better protect Hawke's Bay's electricity supply against flooding and earthquakes. The national electricity transmission grid owner submitted a proposal to the Commerce Commission today for approval to rebuild the main 220kV switchyard on the existing site, raising essential equipment out of the reach of potential flood waters. Transpower's Executive General Manager Grid Development Matt Webb said this is another aspect of the work to rebuild the substation after it was flooded during Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023. 'After Cyclone Gabrielle, we made a commitment to the people of Hawke's Bay to make their region's power supply more resilient to extreme weather and seismic events,' he said. 'Residents can be confident that our interim upgrades have protected their power supply, and the work we're proposing now will make Redclyffe substation flood resilient to a 1-in-450-year flooding event and much more resilient to earthquakes. 'For the people of Napier, Hastings and surrounding areas, that would mean the power is more likely to stay on during catastrophic weather events like Cyclone Gabrielle.' Mr Webb said Transpower has already completed significant work at Redclyffe substation to improve security of supply in the region since Cyclone Gabrielle. Interim upgrades to the 110 kV switchyard were made in 2023 to make the equipment there more resilient to flooding, and an interim 220 kV control room has also been installed above the flood level. A new 220 kV/110 kV interconnecting transformer is currently being installed that will significantly boost reliability of electricity supply in the region. Under New Zealand's electricity transmission regulatory framework, the Commerce Commission reviews and approves Transpower's work plans to ensure investment is cost-effective and in the long-term interests of New Zealanders. 'We've engaged extensively with local communities on our plans for the region alongside our local lines company partner Unison Networks,' Mr Webb said. 'We believe this is the most cost-effective approach that also takes into account growing demand for electricity in the region. We have strong support from key stakeholders for our proposal and we look forward to the Commerce Commission rigorously testing our plans and costings.' Once the Commerce Commission approve the proposal, Transpower expects to start the work in October 2026 and finish by December 2027. The work can be completed without any impact to local electricity supply, Mr Webb said.
Scoop
06-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Camberley Substation's Boosted Capacity Helps Power Local Growth
Press Release – Unison The substation upgrade is one of four planned for Hawkes Bay under Unisons 10-year Asset Management Plan. Following Cyclone Gabrielle, Unisons Awatoto, Tutira and Esk substations are also lined up for upgrades to improve resilience. Unison Networks is proud to announce the successful completion of the Camberley Substation rebuild in Hastings, marking a major milestone in powering Hawke's Bay's growing energy needs. The state-of-the-art facility has been fully upgraded to enhance resilience, significantly increase capacity, and support a sustainable energy future for communities across the region. The newly rebuilt Camberley Substation now boasts nearly four times its original capacity, enabling it to supply electricity to approximately 3,000 residential and commercial customers. This enhanced capacity ensures that Camberley can meet the increasing energy demands driven by ongoing regional development, including critical infrastructure projects such as the Hawke's Bay Hospital upgrades, the Frimley water storage and treatment plant, and electric vehicle fast-charging stations. The substation upgrade is one of four planned for Hawke's Bay under Unison's 10-year Asset Management Plan. Following Cyclone Gabrielle, Unison's Awatoto, Tutira and Esk substations are also lined up for upgrades to improve resilience. The goal is to ensure Unison's electricity network continues to meet the communities' current and future needs, providing a more resilient and secure supply that supports growth and electrification in the region. Inspired by Unison's award-winning Windsor Substation, the Camberley rebuild incorporates innovative sustainability elements like advanced cross-laminated timber construction and gas-insulated switchgear that uses dry air insulation and vacuum interruption supplied by RPS Switchgear — a significant step in reducing the environmental impact of substation switchrooms by eliminating the use of potent greenhouse gases. Unison's General Manager Networks & Operations, Gaganpreet Chadha, expressed pride in the project, stating, 'We're proud to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions with the Camberley project, and its completion takes us one step further to delivering on our vision to enable a sustainable energy future. 'The success of Unison's award-winning Windsor Switchroom set a strong benchmark, and it's great to follow that up by applying what we learned to the Camberley project. This upgraded facility strengthens our network to better serve Hawke's Bay, not just for today but for generations to come.' The Camberley rebuild reflects Unison's dedication to not only meeting current energy needs but also enabling the transition to a zero-carbon future. By supporting decarbonisation efforts — such as enabling households to adopt sustainable energy systems and electric vehicles — the substation plays a vital role in fostering environmental progress across the region. Mr Chadha commented, 'We are continuously optimising our designs for security and sustainability and making improvements as we upgrade substations across our network. Camberley exemplifies our commitment to a building smarter, stronger, and more resilient electricity network that supports secure supply alongside decarbonisation efforts.' Unison Networks is proud to celebrate this milestone and looks forward to continuing to power progress for Hawke's Bay and beyond. Unison also invites your feedback on its 10-year Asset Management Plan. Take a moment to share your thoughts on plans to power Hawke's Bay's future at and you'll go into the draw to win a $100 Prezzy Card.
