Auckland Airport identified the need to upgrade its power centre intake, the main incoming supply point, to support growing electricity demand driven by terminal development and future load growth. Northpower delivered critical electrical works to replace 11kV switchgear, ensuring the airport’s electricity supply remains resilient, safe and fit for long‑term growth.

Northpower’s scope included civil works for cable installation, removal of the existing switchboard, installation of a new 23‑panel switchboard, and the staged changeover and commissioning of high‑voltage connections. Building refurbishment works were delivered by a separate contractor, requiring close co-ordination across multiple workstreams.

The upgrade work required highly specialised teams with high‑voltage skills to deliver in an operational airport environment. Works began with detailed planning, service location and soil testing approvals to meet Auckland Airport’s permitting requirements before excavation could commence.

Northpower’s team managed civil installation, switchboard installation, auxiliary and control cabling, and a carefully sequenced commissioning process. A staggered changeover approach allowed individual 11kV cables to be isolated, transferred to the new switchboard and progressively returned to service, to maintain continuity of supply to airport operations.

Commissioning required close alignment and collaboration with Auckland Airport, Vector and Transpower, supported by detailed commissioning and switching plans endorsed by all parties well ahead of outage windows.

Safety and risk management were central to the project, given the number of contractors on site and the proximity of works to airport offices and operational facilities. Daily pre‑start meetings were used to coordinate activities, manage overlapping work areas and clearly communicate hazards across all parties undertaking work.

Key risks included dependency on building works by other contractors and design constraints identified during construction. Northpower mitigated these risks through regular co-ordination meetings, proactive identification of design gaps, and early engagement with Auckland Airport and Vector to agree alternative solutions before delays could occur.

This collaborative approach enabled the team to recover lost time caused by external delays and to avoid extended outages during critical airport operating periods.