Unison cabling through Miro reserve

Miro Street Plantation Reserve will be the site of an energy milestone when Unison installs power cables below the surface of the Council-owned reserve in specially designed troughs.

Unison’s current electricity system has almost reached its full capacity. In order to meet future power requirements, Unison applied for permission to install traditional underground cables through Miro Street Plantation Reserve.

However, after further investigation by Unison, this method was deemed unfeasible due to the area’s geothermal properties. Unison explored alternative options and concluded that installing purpose-built troughs just below ground level to house the cabling was the most appropriate as overhead power lines would not be suitable for a public reserve.

While Unison has used the trough system in other locations, it has not previously been used for this length. Unison spokesperson Mr Kevin Corkery said that 420 sections of the 2.4-metre long troughs would be required to span the reserve.

The trough will be covered with a concrete lid that Mr Corkery says will be strong enough to hold the weight of a five-tonne truck and also suitable to be used as a walkway.

The Council’s Taupo/Kaingaroa-Mangakino/Pouakani (northern rating area) Committee believes the new proposal will have minimal physical and visual impact on the reserve environment.

Cr Kathryn Uvhagen congratulated Unison on its innovative thinking. “This is a great result and one which will benefit our community. The walkway will be a wonderful asset for the reserve and at no cost to Council.”

Unison hopes to begin construction in February 2009.