A Herrenknecht microtunnel boring machine (MTBM), known as Amiria, has started its first drive of a 3 km journey.
The MTBM is being used as part of the NZ$400 million (AU$378 million) project, which began in 2012, to construct a pipeline – Hunua 4 – from Manukau City to Auckland.
The name of the MTBM was selected as part of a competition with the children at Starship.
Amiria, is a te reo Maori version of the name Amelia, which means hard-working or industrious.
This name is suitable as two of the drives are through 2.5 km of basalt in the Auckland Volcanic field.
The first drive is expected to be completed mid-year.
For more information visit the Watercare website
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