Air Force Hercules transports Connetics team north to lend a hand
A C130 Air Force Hercules lifted off from Christchurch International Airport carrying 15 Connetics team members, two Connetics utes and additional gear.
The Hercules arrived at Whenuapai Air Force Base shortly before midnight and the team was choppered into Kerikeri this morning, with some members driving up in the utes.
The team will support Top Energy with their response to Cyclone Gabrielle. Top Energy has organised three additional utes and two line trucks to support the team upon arrival.
Orion Group CE Nigel Barbour says they’ve been working with electricity distribution businesses throughout the country on what support is needed.
“Seeing the situation in the North Island is gut wrenching and like our fellow lines companies, we wanted to help in any way we can.
“Following the Canterbury earthquakes we had huge support from the electricity community across Aotearoa, who dropped everything to come down and help get the network back up and running. Now it’s our turn to give back during this challenging recovery phase. When we put the call out for volunteers to head north our guys didn’t hesitate to put their hands up.
“I also want to acknowledge Genesis Energy, who stepped up immediately to assist. They took a truckload of our gear up to Kerikeri and had a van ready to transport the team if needed.”
The Connetics team will be in place in the Far North District for up to 10 days, although that may be extended depending on the need.
Connetics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Orion NZ Ltd, which owns and operates the electricity distribution network in central Canterbury.
You can find out more about Orion Groups support for the recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle.