The Piriaka community gathered yesterday in a heartfelt celebration to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Piriaka Power Station. Community leaders, current and former staff were among those who came together at a small community event to honour the hydroelectric power station's history and its contribution to the region.
To mark this significant milestone, a commemorative sign near the station was unveiled, detailing the history of Piriaka Power Station. This informative sign will soon be expanded to include more facts about local history, including the area's cultural significance and ongoing environmental initiatives.
Ruapehu District Council Mayor Weston Kirton was the keynote speaker at the community event alongside Chris Fincham, General Manager of King Country Energy. Kirton said it was a privilege to take part in the one-hundred-year anniversary celebration for the Piriaka hydro-electric power plant.
“The Piriaka plant has played a cornerstone role in the development of Taumarunui, playing a significant function in expanding our region’s economy over the past century.”
Established in 1924, Piriaka Power Station has faced and overcome numerous challenges over the past century, including flood damage, wartime demands, and evolving energy needs, while continuing to serve as a source of locally generated power. Today, the station is majority owned by Manawa Energy with part-ownership remaining with the local King Country Electric Power Board Trust .
“Staff over these many years have put in long hours caring for the machines, responding to call outs, restoring service following outages, and basically sacrificing family time for the good of the region. Power generation, for many of our team over these many decades, is not so much a career but a passion. And for some of us, it’s almost an obsession,” said Fincham.
Coinciding with the centennial celebration, King Country Energy has announced Piriaka Power Station Next Generation Scholarship for the local community, with the $5,000 scholarship to be awarded in the 2024 calendar year. Recognising the connection between the station, the river, and the surrounding community, King Country Energy (KCE) aims to support the next generation who are directly connected to the upper Whanganui River area and Taumarunui.
Eligible students enrolled in a New Zealand university, polytechnic, or apprenticeship program are encouraged to apply for this financial assistance, which honours the deep and enduring ties between the Piriaka Power Station and its community.
To find out more and apply, head to www.kce.co.nz