
Inspection Solutions trial of drone in a box
Through a drone‑in‑a‑box trial, Northpower advanced inspection capability, using autonomous technology to assess solar infrastructure faster and more consistently.
Location: Wiri, Auckland
Start date: March 2024
Completion date: December 2024
Project client: Vector
Project partners: J&R Contracting (civil contractor)
Our project delivery focuses on quality installation and a high level of safety for our people and the public.
person-hours invested
underground cable installed
cable installed to upgrade the network

We delivered a new substation in West Wiri. This included high-capacity transformers with modern monitoring systems, advanced switchboards with in-built protection systems, a new 300kVA transformer and a ring-main unit.
Our Auckland team installed the high voltage equipment for the new zone substation which steps down the incoming 33kV supply to 11kV suitable for distribution to the local area. This included two 20MVA transformers, a 9-panel 33kV switchboard, and a 12-panel 11kV switchboard.
The project included 4,700 metres of 33kV underground cable installed to connect the substation to the network, along with 1,600 metres of 11kV underground feeder cables to enhance network performance in the existing infrastructure of nearby streets. Before the cable could be installed, roads and pathways required excavation and directional drilling. This civil work was completed by our experienced civil partner J&R Contracting.
Keeping the public safe around the many active worksites was a priority, requiring traffic management. With the site’s proximity to the SH20 onramps, the cable installation works took place at night to minimise disruption during peak travel times.
The project also included the installation of an additional ring main unit to the existing network infrastructure, and remote monitoring equipment on the four existing ring main units.
The project, including all installations of new equipment within the new substation and to the surrounding network, was delivered to Vector’s specifications.