WEL Networks Crews Ready to Help Unison

“We like a challenge. It brings the best out in the boys,” WEL Networks Team Leader Line Mechanic Steve Lawson says.

Steve is one of eight heading to Hawke’s Bay on Monday to provide additional support to help maintain and sustain the momentum that’s required to reconnect power to affected communities in the region.

For two weeks, our line mechanic crews will be assisting Unison in the re-establishment of the 11kV and 33kV network following the widespread damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.

“At the end of the two-week period we will reassess and look to swap out our crews for two more and/or provide any other support that’s required. Last year, a team from Unison in Rotorua provided us with support as part of our Cyclone Dovi response so it’s great for us to be able to support them.

“Following the Cyclone, and as part of our response, we reached out to our neighbouring networks to offer resources and support, then widened the offer to Hawke’s Bay. That’s a cool thing about this industry – everyone helps each other out. We’ve also offered the remote services of four design planners if required,” Overhead and Vegetation Operations Manager George Drysdale says.

Team Leader Lenny Te Aho was born and bred in Hastings, and has whanau, like most, who’ve been affected by the cyclone.

“People are struggling. We just want to help them out as much as we can. We’re ready to go. A lot of people have got nothing . . . their future is uncertain. It’s a big ask for our crews to be away from their whanau for two weeks but they are determined and ready to do whatever they can to help,” he says.

ENDS

For more information: Samantha McPherson | WEL Networks Communications Business Partner | 021 198 1093 | samantha.mcpherson@wel.co.nz