Unison Group Launches First Group-Wide Sustainability Report
Titled Our Commitment to a Sustainable Energy Future, the document outlines the Group's shared direction, sustainability principles, and priority areas – spanning people, community, environmental impact, and network resilience. It also signals a new phase of alignment across the Unison Group to accelerate progress and increase impact.
'This report is an important first step in uniting the work already underway across the Group – from manufacturing and consulting to infrastructure and operations,' said Jaun Park, Unison Group Chief Executive. 'It reflects a clear and collective intention to operate more sustainably, transparently and collaboratively – and to help power a better future for the communities we serve.'
As energy makes up nearly 40% of Aotearoa's total greenhouse gas emissions, the transition to a low-emissions economy relies heavily on electrification. Unison Group plays a critical role in enabling that shift – supporting renewable integration, energy efficiency, and resilience across its networks and operations.
'Electricity is central to building a low carbon future,' said Jaclyn Hankin, Group General Manager Strategy and Sustainability. 'As a consumer owned organisation we recognise we have a responsibility, and opportunity to shape a sustainable energy future.'
· 543kg of SF gas reclaimed – avoiding 12,760 tonnes CO-e emissions through PBA's SF monitoring and leak detection services (PBA)
· 120,000 litres of oil regenerated for new transformer use as part of ETEL's oil recycling initiative (ETEL)
· NZ's first 36kV Non-SF switchboard installed (RPS Switchgear)
· 9,200 native trees planted in Hawke's Bay through Unison's partnership with Maraetōtara Tree Trust
· 276 in-home visits across Unison's network regions in Hawke's Bay, Taupo and Rotorua as part of the EnergyMate programme, helping whānau reduce power bills (Unison-sponsored)
· 1,385 children completed Unison's Safe Sparks electricity safety programme in Hawke's Bay, Taupo and Rotorua.
Unison started as a small local lines company just over a century ago serving Hawke's Bay. Today it is owned by the Hawkes Bay Power Consumers Trust and comprises a group of complementary businesses operating across electricity networks, high-voltage contracting, transformer and switchgear manufacturing, and specialist consulting – each playing a role in enabling electrification and future-proofing energy infrastructure.
This Group-wide Sustainability Report represents the next phase in bringing the companies and their people closer together under a shared purpose. It introduces six principles to guide ongoing activity: Balanced approach, Equality for all, Stakeholder engagement, Design for the future, Success-driven evolution, and Ensuring compliance.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
11 hours ago
- Scoop
Unison Group Launches First Group-Wide Sustainability Report
Unison Group has released its first Sustainability Report – a foundational document that brings together the collective efforts and aspirations of its specialist electricity businesses to support a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future. Titled Our Commitment to a Sustainable Energy Future, the document outlines the Group's shared direction, sustainability principles, and priority areas – spanning people, community, environmental impact, and network resilience. It also signals a new phase of alignment across the Unison Group to accelerate progress and increase impact. 'This report is an important first step in uniting the work already underway across the Group – from manufacturing and consulting to infrastructure and operations,' said Jaun Park, Unison Group Chief Executive. 'It reflects a clear and collective intention to operate more sustainably, transparently and collaboratively – and to help power a better future for the communities we serve.' As energy makes up nearly 40% of Aotearoa's total greenhouse gas emissions, the transition to a low-emissions economy relies heavily on electrification. Unison Group plays a critical role in enabling that shift – supporting renewable integration, energy efficiency, and resilience across its networks and operations. 'Electricity is central to building a low carbon future,' said Jaclyn Hankin, Group General Manager Strategy and Sustainability. 'As a consumer owned organisation we recognise we have a responsibility, and opportunity to shape a sustainable energy future.' · 543kg of SF gas reclaimed – avoiding 12,760 tonnes CO-e emissions through PBA's SF monitoring and leak detection services (PBA) · 120,000 litres of oil regenerated for new transformer use as part of ETEL's oil recycling initiative (ETEL) · NZ's first 36kV Non-SF switchboard installed (RPS Switchgear) · 9,200 native trees planted in Hawke's Bay through Unison's partnership with Maraetōtara Tree Trust · 276 in-home visits across Unison's network regions in Hawke's Bay, Taupo and Rotorua as part of the EnergyMate programme, helping whānau reduce power bills (Unison-sponsored) · 1,385 children completed Unison's Safe Sparks electricity safety programme in Hawke's Bay, Taupo and Rotorua. Unison started as a small local lines company just over a century ago serving Hawke's Bay. Today it is owned by the Hawkes Bay Power Consumers Trust and comprises a group of complementary businesses operating across electricity networks, high-voltage contracting, transformer and switchgear manufacturing, and specialist consulting – each playing a role in enabling electrification and future-proofing energy infrastructure. This Group-wide Sustainability Report represents the next phase in bringing the companies and their people closer together under a shared purpose. It introduces six principles to guide ongoing activity: Balanced approach, Equality for all, Stakeholder engagement, Design for the future, Success-driven evolution, and Ensuring compliance.
Techday NZ
2 days ago
- Techday NZ
Capgemini to acquire WNS for USD $3.3 billion in AI expansion
Capgemini has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire WNS for a total cash consideration of USD $3.3 billion, in a move expected to position Capgemini as a global leader in AI-powered intelligent operations. The purchase price of USD $76.50 per share represents a premium of 28% over the average share price in the last 90 days and 17% over the closing price on 3 July 2025. Both firms' boards of directors have unanimously approved the transaction, with closing anticipated by year-end, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. Strategic rationale According to Capgemini, the acquisition aligns with a growing trend among enterprises looking to transform end-to-end operations using Generative and Agentic AI, especially within business process services (BPS). The combined entity aims to capitalise on what both businesses describe as a paradigm shift from traditional BPS to intelligent, AI-driven operations. "Enterprises are rapidly adopting Generative AI and Agentic AI to transform their operations end-to-end. Business Process Services will be the showcase for Agentic AI. Capgemini's acquisition of WNS will provide the Group with the scale and vertical sector expertise to capture that rapidly emerging strategic opportunity created by the paradigm shift from traditional BPS to Agentic AI-powered Intelligent Operations," comments Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini. "Together we will create a leader in Intelligent Operations, uniquely positioned to support organizations in their AI-powered business process transformation, blending the critical capabilities needed from consulting, technology and platforms to deep process and industry expertise. This will address the client needs for Agentic AI-driven process transformation to deliver efficiency and agility through hyper-automation while achieving superior business outcomes. WNS brings to the Group its high growth, margin accretive and resilient Digital Business Process Services, which is the springboard to Intelligent Operations, while further increasing our exposure to the US market. Immediate cross-selling opportunities will be unlocked through the integration of our complementary offerings and clients. I am looking forward to welcoming the WNS global team to Capgemini." Keshav R. Murugesh, Chief Executive Officer of WNS, also highlighted the significance of integrating AI deeper into operational frameworks: "As a recognized leader in the Digital Business Process Services space, we see the next wave of transformation being driven by intelligent, domain-centric operations that unlock strategic value for our clients. Organizations that have already digitized are now seeking to reimagine their operating models by embedding AI at the core—shifting from automation to autonomy," said Murugesh. "By combining our deep domain and process expertise with Capgemini's global reach, cutting-edge Gen AI and Agentic AI capabilities, a robust partner ecosystem, and advanced technology platforms, we are creating a powerful proposition that accelerates enterprise reinvention. WNS' complementary portfolio of horizontal and industry-specific solutions will significantly enhance Capgemini's rapidly growing Business Services footprint, enabling next-generation, data-driven operations across sectors. Just as importantly, our shared values, cultural alignment, and complementary client relationships ensure a seamless integration—unlocking exciting opportunities for innovation, co-creation, and growth across all stakeholder groups." Timothy L. Main, Chairman of the WNS Board of Directors, underscored the transaction as a milestone for WNS and cited the opportunities for both clients and employees. "WNS and Capgemini share a bold, future-focused vision for Intelligent Operations. I'm confident that Capgemini is the ideal partner at the right time in WNS' journey to extend our capabilities, accelerate innovation, and establish a leadership position in this rapidly evolving market," said Main. "This marks a pivotal chapter in WNS' growth—enhancing the resilience and agility of our clients through advanced AI-driven solutions, creating sustained value for our investors, and opening up new avenues for our employees to thrive within a global technology powerhouse." Financial impact and integration On a financial basis, Capgemini has secured bridge financing totalling EUR €4.0 billion, with plans to refinance through available cash and new debt issuance. The deal is projected to be accretive to Capgemini's normalised earnings per share by 4% prior to synergies in 2026, rising to 7% with synergies by 2027. Revenue synergies are estimated between EUR €100 million and €140 million annually by the end of 2027, while cost and operating model synergies are anticipated to reach EUR €50 million to €70 million per year within the same timeframe. Combined, the two organisations would have generated EUR €23.3 billion in revenue at a 13.6% operating margin in 2024, based on published information. Capgemini expects the integration to be smooth, citing both companies' shared values and cultural alignment, as well as Capgemini's record of successful past integrations. The merger will further strengthen Capgemini's global business services, especially in the US market where WNS has a strong presence. Market context and future outlook WNS, which reported revenues of USD $1,266 million and an 18.7% operating margin in fiscal year 2025, has focused on providing digital-led BPS solutions to clients in eight industries. The company has achieved approximately 9% constant currency revenue growth on average over the last three fiscal years. Capgemini believes that combining WNS's industry-specific expertise with its own consulting and AI capabilities will allow the enlarged group to support organisations seeking end-to-end transformation through advanced technologies and platforms. Both companies say the acquisition will enable them to address rapidly-growing demand for AI-driven business process redesign, which is increasingly prioritised by enterprises aiming to improve efficiency, agility and business outcomes. With market analysts and Capgemini's clients reportedly recognising the group's leadership in AI and business transformation, the acquisition of WNS is expected to reinforce Capgemini's role as a partner to organisations on similar transformation journeys.
Techday NZ
03-07-2025
- Techday NZ
Unison launches free online Safe Sparks safety lessons for kids
Unison Networks has expanded access to its Safe Sparks electrical safety programme for children by launching an online version, free for families, schools, and community groups across Hawke's Bay, Taupō, and Rotorua. For over two decades, the Safe Sparks Programme has been delivered in classrooms through a combination of indoor and outdoor sessions designed to educate young students about electrical safety. Unison will continue to run these in-person sessions throughout its electricity network regions, but acknowledged that classroom-based visits can only reach a limited number of students each year. The new digital format aims to address this limitation by allowing children to participate wherever and whenever they choose. The programme covers a range of topics, including identifying sources of electricity in the home, understanding how electricity is generated, and developing essential safety skills. It provides practical advice on staying safe around electrical equipment, such as power poles, lines, and distribution boxes in local communities. Rachel Masters, Unison Group General Manager, People, Safety and Culture, commented on the motivation behind extending the initiative online. "Keeping our communities and tamariki safe around electricity is at the heart of everything we do. By taking Safe Sparks digital, we're giving every whānau the opportunity to learn together, whether at home, at after school care, or during the school holidays. It's about building a safer future, one child at a time," Mrs Masters said. The Safe Sparks Digital Programme is designed for children aged 5 to 11 and features interactive elements, including short animated videos, real-life safety guidance, and activities tailored to teach children how electricity works and how to protect themselves, especially in proximity to electricity infrastructure. Since its inception in 2003, the in-person Safe Sparks Programme has reached thousands of students within the company's service areas. The online extension, which was first introduced to schools in 2024, now includes families, holiday programmes, and after-school care providers. In support of the broader community rollout, Unison has introduced spot prizes for participants who complete the online curriculum and submit a short form upon completion. Three participants will receive NZD $100 Prezzy Cards, with entries accepted until the end of October 2025. Rachel Masters encouraged families to utilise the online resource, highlighting its flexibility and accessibility. "It's a great school holiday activity, or something to do on a rainy weekend. The whole programme takes just 15 to 20 minutes, but the learning lasts a lifetime. There's no login required, it's completely free, and families can download a personalised certificate at the end. It's a fun and meaningful activity to do together," Mrs Masters said. Unison is urging parents, caregivers, educators, and community groups to utilise the new online resource and share it widely within their respective networks. The company supplies electricity to over 119,000 customers across Hawke's Bay, Taupō and Rotorua, and the new Safe Sparks Digital Programme represents an additional step in its commitment to public safety and education in the communities it serves.
