Northpower was selected to deliver critical electricity infrastructure supporting Mercury’s Kaiwaikawe wind farm at Ōmāmari, north of Dargaville. The project involves constructing the transmission connection from the wind farm to the national grid and modifying sections of the existing network to enable the safe transport of turbine components to site.

This work supports a major renewable energy development for Northland, enabling Mercury’s wind farm to connect into Northpower’s network and on to the national grid, while delivering long‑term network upgrades along key transport routes.

Northpower’s scope includes construction of the transmission line connecting the wind farm to the grid, along with upgrades to the Dargaville substation to manage increased power flows. Electricity generated at Kaiwaikawe will connect into Northpower’s substation near Dargaville before flowing on to the national grid at Maungatapere.

This work draws on Northpower’s specialist transmission capability and proven experience in the delivery of complex infrastructure in rural and remote environments.

A significant and unique element of the project is modifying approximately 190 overhead power‑line road crossings along the turbine transport route. Turbine components were shipped into Whangārei and transported by road to Ōmāmari, requiring permanent changes to the network to allow safe passage of these oversized loads.

Rather than temporary lifts, lines are being raised, relocated or placed underground as part of the Mercury‑funded project, allowing for the safe transportation of the turbines while delivering permanent upgrades to the local network.