Pioneer Energy

Pioneer Energy We strive to create a better future through sustainable energy. Proudly owned by Central Lakes Trust and Tōtara Energy LP

24/06/2026

Turning a pest into a resource

Check out the latest video from Wilding Free Mackenzie featuring Pioneer Energy, sharing how we give wilding pines a second life.

Wilding pines are one of New Zealand’s most significant invasive pests, impacting our landscapes, biodiversity, and waterways. At our Pukaki site, we process the harvested trees into wood chips before they are supplied to customers across the South Island, including food processing and manufacturing businesses.

It's a great example of how we can support environmental restoration while creating value from a resource that would otherwise go to waste.

Thanks to Wilding Free Mackenzie for highlighting the work being done to tackle this challenge and create positive outcomes for our communities and environment.

Tuna Heke Management at Aniwhenua 🐟Supporting fish passage continues to be an important part of operations at our Aniwhe...
23/06/2026

Tuna Heke Management at Aniwhenua 🐟

Supporting fish passage continues to be an important part of operations at our Aniwhenua hydro scheme, with several improvements completed during FY26 to help support both upstream and downstream tuna heke (i.e. freshwater eel) migrations.

Upstream, enhancements to the elver pass included installing a camera monitored migration system which utilises mussel ropes in a 125mm PVC drainpipe. The integrated camera provides 24/7 visibility of elver movement patterns.

Downstream migration, a new guide net is being added to the tuna siphon system to help improve the guiding of mature tuna into the catch chamber where they will be recovered and transferred downstream to below Matahina Dam by local Iwi so that the tuna can continue their migration journey to the ocean areas south of Tonga to spawn.

Another very successful initiative this year is to use very large hinaki nets in the headpond. The majority of the adult tuna have been caught in these nets.

For all the adult tuna trap and transfer activities, we have been well supported by staff from the Runanga at Ngāti Manawa in Murupara. With their support, 93 mature tuna have been successfully transferred downstream so far — the highest number recorded to date.

A great example of our value We Embrace Kaitiakitanga in action and the ongoing work happening to support native species and care for our environment.

Supporting the communities where we operate 🌱We’re excited to launch the Jericho Community Fund, a new two-yearly fundin...
17/06/2026

Supporting the communities where we operate 🌱

We’re excited to launch the Jericho Community Fund, a new two-yearly funding opportunity for not-for-profit organisations and community groups in the communities surrounding our Jericho Wind Farm Project.

The fund will support projects and initiatives that create a positive local impact across health, education, sport, volunteering services, and sustainability.

This is part of Pioneer Energy’s commitment to supporting the communities where we operate, with similar funding opportunities being rolled out around our other sites and energy assets.

If your organisation is making a difference in the Jericho/Monowai area, we’d love to hear from you.

See below for more information and how to apply. Applications close 31 August 2026.

Progress is underway at Wye Creek 🚁Our team has recently installed new security fencing at the Wye Creek power station i...
15/06/2026

Progress is underway at Wye Creek 🚁

Our team has recently installed new security fencing at the Wye Creek power station intake to help keep people safe and prevent access beyond the intake to operational infrastructure that was never designed for public recreational use.

While many people have enjoyed accessing this area over the years, the dam, boardwalk, pipeline corridor, and associated structures are owned and operated by Pioneer Energy as part of an active hydro-electric scheme. In recent years, visitor numbers have increased significantly, with an estimated 12,000 people accessing the structures annually. As a result, many more people are using infrastructure that was not intended to accommodate public use.

We're continuing to work collaboratively with the Queenstown Climbing Club and the Department of Conservation to explore options that support public safety while recognising the area's long-standing recreational value.

With some challenging terrain to navigate, helicopter support was required to safely transport materials and equipment into place.

A big thank you to everyone involved in planning and delivering the work, including the crews on the ground and in the air. Your teamwork and focus on safety are greatly appreciated.

We appreciate the public's patience and cooperation while access restrictions remain in place.

Supporting the communities where we operate 🌱We're excited to launch the Aniwhenua Community Fund, a new two-yearly fund...
11/06/2026

Supporting the communities where we operate 🌱

We're excited to launch the Aniwhenua Community Fund, a new two-yearly funding opportunity for not-for-profit organisations and community groups in the communities surrounding our Aniwhenua Hydro Scheme.

The fund will support projects and initiatives that create a positive local impact across health, education, sport, volunteering services, and sustainability.

This is the first of a number of community funds Pioneer Energy will be introducing in the regions where we operate. Over time, similar funding opportunities will be rolled out to communities surrounding our other sites and energy assets.

If your organisation is making a difference in the Aniwhenua area, we'd love to hear from you.

See below for more information and how to apply. Applications close 31 August 2026.

Celebrating Dave Robertson’s 41 Years of Service 🙌After more than 41 years at Southland Hospital, Dave Robertson has off...
10/06/2026

Celebrating Dave Robertson’s 41 Years of Service 🙌

After more than 41 years at Southland Hospital, Dave Robertson has officially hung up the boots.

Dave’s contribution to SHEC/Pioneer over the years has been immense, and we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have him as part of the team for so long. His hard work, knowledge, humour, and steady presence have left a lasting impact on those he’s worked alongside.

While he’ll certainly be missed around site, we have a feeling this won’t be the last time we see Dave stopping in for a catch-up over a pie and soup.

Thank you, Dave, for your dedication and contribution over the past four decades. Wishing you all the very best for the next chapter.

A great evening at the Ecogas Christchurch Site Open Day 🌱Thank you to everyone who joined us for a BBQ and site tour at...
03/06/2026

A great evening at the Ecogas Christchurch Site Open Day 🌱

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a BBQ and site tour at the Ōtautahi Christchurch Organics Processing Facility.

It was fantastic to share progress on the project, connect with local neighbours, partners, council representatives, and stakeholders, and showcase the work underway to help create a more circular future for Canterbury.

We appreciate the ongoing support from the community and look forward to sharing more milestones as the site continues to take shape. 🚧

Celebrating the Highlanders’ 2026 Season 🎉A fantastic evening celebrating the people and performances that made the 2026...
26/05/2026

Celebrating the Highlanders’ 2026 Season 🎉
A fantastic evening celebrating the people and performances that made the 2026 Highlanders season one to remember.

Last week, members of the Pioneer team attended the Highlanders 2026 John Jones Steel Awards on behalf of Pulse Energy, with James Flexman presenting the prestigious Pulse Energy MVP award.

Congratulations to Ethan de Groot, who took home both the Pulse Energy MVP and Highlander Man awards following an outstanding season on and off the field.

It was also great to see so many players recognised for their contribution throughout the year, including multiple-award winners Caleb Tangitau and Te Kamaka Howden, alongside emerging talent Lucas Casey and Mika Muliaina, and Angus Ta’avao, whose spirit, strength and leadership through a difficult year for him and his family inspired many across the club. Angus received the Southern Inspiration Award.

A big congratulations to all award recipients and the wider Highlanders team on the season. We’re proud to support an organisation that champions leadership, resilience, community, and development both on and off the field.

25/05/2026

A closer look at Christchurch taking shape 🎥🌱

Our latest video update from the Ecogas Ōtautahi Christchurch Organics Processing Facility gives a behind-the-scenes look at the exciting progress happening across the site.

From the Reception Hall and MCC building through to the tank farm, it’s great to see the facility continuing to come to life.

Once operational in 2027, the site will process food and garden waste into renewable energy, biomass fuel, and fertify™ biofertiliser, helping support a more circular future for Canterbury.

Check out the latest progress below. 🚧
David Baird Photography Mo + Co

Bringing our team together Recently, staff from across New Zealand came together for Pioneer Energy’s Information Day in...
19/05/2026

Bringing our team together

Recently, staff from across New Zealand came together for Pioneer Energy’s Information Day in Alexandra.

With team members travelling in from remote hydro schemes, wind farms, offices and sites around the country, the day was a great opportunity to connect, learn more about the business, and strengthen our value of “We Are One Team”.

The day included business updates, health and safety activities, leadership sessions, and a keynote presentation from Dr Ceri Evans, followed by an Amazing Race around Alexandra and a bit of friendly competition on the curling rink.

A big thank you to everyone involved in organising the event, and to all staff who made the trip. We were proud to support local businesses including Alexandra Bridge Club, Duo, Tree Range Farms and IceInline Alexandra.

It was a valuable opportunity to reconnect, share experiences, and continue building the relationships that help us work together across Aotearoa.

Address

11 Ellis Street
Alexandra
9320

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+6434400022

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