PowerNet has responded to a call for help from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Mfat) and is sending a team of five line mechanics to Fiji to help restore electricity services devastated by Cyclone Winston.
A crane truck, used to lift and manoeuvre power poles into place, is also being shipped to Fiji for the crew to use while they are there.
When the Invercargill-based company asked for expressions of interest from staff, more than 50 put up their hands, chief executive Jason Franklin said.
‘‘It was a significant response. We balanced it out across depots to share the [task] around and ensure we still have staff available here. We have 280 lines staff, so taking five out is OK.''
Cyclone Winston hit Fiji on February 20, damaging power lines and cutting power. The team, Reece Stephenson and Mark Payne (Gore), Joe Clarke and Sachin Chand (Invercargill) and Lincoln Deans (Balclutha), will travel to Fiji on Saturday and spend three to four weeks in the country's second-largest city, Lautoka.
Their work will include disconnecting fallen lines from poles and clearing debris so power lines can be reconstructed safely, lifting fallen power poles and restringing power lines, plus reinstalling fallen transformers and other equipment.
PowerNet was the third New Zealand lines company to send staff so far, Mr Franklin said, with five companies to be involved in total.
Mfat was meeting the cost of shipping the truck and staff members' expenses, he said.
PowerNet was pleased to be able to provide support, service and delivery, integration manager Justin Peterson said.
‘‘It's fantastic that we have the resources, skills and expertise that allow us to [help with] an international recovery effort.''
