Media Advisory 26 May 2004

Energy Minister Pete Hodgson will open the new power plant at Whirinaki, near Napier, next Tuesday, June 1.

Whirinaki will have a key role in increasing certainty of electricity supplies by providing reserve generation during dry periods and, for example, in the event of major transmission or generation outages.

Where: Whirinaki Power Plant 1085 Wairoa Road State Highway 2, Whirinaki (15 minutes north of Napier, adjoining Pan Pac pulp and lumber mill)

When: Tuesday, June 1 2004 1.45 pm ? 4.40 pm

Please assemble outside the gate at 1.45 pm for a powhiri.

Following speeches, the Minister will start one of the plant's generating units. There will also be technical personnel available to take media on a tour of the site.

Note that for health and safety reasons access to the generator rooms is prohibited when generators are operating. Access for photo opportunities will be provided before and after start-up.

Please ensure that you wear sturdy footwear.

Directions to Whirinaki Power Plant

From Napier: Head north on State Highway two (SH2) towards Gisborne, passing through the Bayview township. Keeping on SH2, go past the turnoff to Taupo and SH5. Whirinaki is located on the left hand side of SH2, 500 metres past the turnoff to Taupo. A Contact Energy sign is on the roadside. (If you pass the Pan Pac site, you have gone too far) Travel time from Napier is approximately 15 kilometres or 15 minutes.
From airport: On exiting airport turn left onto SH2 heading north towards Gisborne, and follow the directions above. Travel time is approximately 12 kilometres or 12 minutes.

© Scoop Media

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