Unison Group is gearing up for significant transformation in 2025, as New Zealand’s fifth largest electricity distributor adapts to meet evolving energy demands while strengthening network resilience.
CEO Jaun Park sees both challenges and opportunities ahead for the company, which manages over 9,300km of power lines serving more than 114,000 customers across Hawke’s Bay, Taupō and Rotorua.
“Last year was a mixed year for Unison, our customers, subsidiary companies, and communities,” Jaun says, noting significant progress in strengthening network resilience following Cyclone Gabrielle. These improvements, including crucial substation upgrades, have enhanced both network capacity and resilience.
The company’s infrastructure – comprising $620 million worth of electricity and fibre assets – represents a significant investment in the region’s future, while its commitment to community welfare is evidenced by more than $88 million distributed to beneficiaries of the Hawke’s Bay Power Consumers’ Trust.
With over 500 employees supporting its operations, the company is preparing for a transforming electricity network that must meet evolving customer demands as the sector continues to electrify. “It’s very important that we respond in a way that drives performance efficiently,” he emphasises.
This response includes managing regulatory changes, investing in people, embracing digital and data strategies, and strengthening customer relationships. The economic outlook for 2025 offers glimmers of hope, with Jaun pointing to moderating interest rates and early signs of recovery across certain sectors, while maintaining a pragmatic view about the timing and extent of this recovery.
Innovation remains at the forefront of Unison’s strategy, with the company already harnessing artificial intelligence in creative ways. A recently developed drone technology, utilising machine learning to assess overhead conductor conditions, promises significant long-term savings.
The company has also embraced sustainable transport, having installed six electric vehicle chargers across its network. Jaun says they’re actively exploring broader AI applications to enhance their services and improve customer experiences.
Despite current economic headwinds, Jaun maintains strong optimism about Hawke’s Bay’s economic potential, pointing to the region’s robust primary sector and value-added processing industries as key growth drivers.
“I’m so proud of what we’ve built – our people, the future potential of Unison’s unique group of companies, and the customers and communities we support,” he shares.
His approach to leadership in 2025 includes a renewed focus on personal health and strengthening relationships, believing that leading by example creates a healthier work environment and ultimately benefits customers and communities.
