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The raising of six heavy power cables across the Waikato River last week was a milestone in lines company Unison’s work to energise 30 new dairy farms in the Taupo region.
The firm is working with Wairakei Pastoral Ltd and Landcorp to supply what will be, when complete, one of the largest contiguous dairy units in the southern hemisphere.
Chief executive Ken Sutherland says the river crossing was a critical part of the overall project.
“Our crews are building the electrical network and substation to support the additional load these new farms will create.”
Wairakei Pastoral chief executive Chris Parkinson says he is pleased with progress.
“This is a long-term project for us, and we are pleased to have Unison on board and carrying out the vital work required to enable the development.”
Once complete, there will be about 40,000 cows across 25,700ha of land.
Parkinson says the conversions would bring 300-350 jobs into the Central Plateau.
Landcorp, which will farm the land, and Wairakei Pastoral, are keeping watch on the land use change.
“Environmental stewardship drives what we do. The new farms will exceed environmental standards.”
When the electricity network is complete, farm connections will continue.
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