Raetihi Power Station set for future

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 250, 12 July 1988, Page 13

Raetihi Power Station set for future

Raetihi's 70-year-olc last another 50 years being done on it. The three generators at the station are all undergoing an overhaul. "With a bit of care I see it going for years and years yet - even 50," says former station manger Mr Ross Journeaux. The station is situated

l power station may > as a result of work at the junction of the Pipipi and Ourautaha Streams. It was opened in 1918 by the Rt Hon William Massey. The first generator had an output of 48 KVA (kilowatts) and provided power for up to 50 homes and businesses in Raetihi. When the demand for

electricity increased, two generators were added over the next eight years. The second generator was identical to the first. The third was a larger machine with an output of 250 KVA, and the station had to be enlarged to use it. Much of the work to increase the water flow was done by Great Depression Labour gangs, who had to did a series

of tunnels and canals by hand. This allowed water to flow from the Maketuku River into the streams. Ten years ago, the station faced a problem modern technology was unable to solve. The original pipeline to the station was found to be leading badly and was generally worn out. It was decided to renew the bottom twothirds of the pipe. Mr

Journeaux says that this was easier said than done, because modern technology couldn't be fitted inside it. Pick and shovel were the only means by which the work could be done, and the job took three week to complete by hand. Mr Journeaux says the station is one of the few small ones still operational in New Zealand.