Planning the next decade
Investing in infrastructure, Northpower is planning $414 million in upgrades and new assets to support growth in Kaipara and Whangārei.
Annual Report 2026
27 May 2026
Partnering with the Mangawhai community
Rapid growth in areas such as Mangawhai is increasing pressure on electricity networks to deliver new infrastructure faster, while still meeting safety, cost and community expectations.
To support forecast demand, Northpower is delivering a new 33kV line between Maungaturoto GXP and the Mangawhai substation by taking a partnership first approach with hapu and landowners.
Rather than relying on legislated powers under the Public Works Act 1981, we worked directly with landowners to agree the safest and most cost effective route across private land.
We engaged early, shared clear information on why the proposed route mattered, understood land use needs and worked transparently through valuation and access arrangements. At the same time, we identified road reserve alternatives early in the event of an unsuccessful negotiation. They were not needed.
The landowners we consulted with supported the final route, allowing consultation to be completed in just over a year – a record breaking timeframe for a project of this scale. Construction is now well underway, with commissioning targeted for mid 2027.
Our engagement with local hapu Te Uri o Hau Environs is a continuation of our work with local hapu in the Whangārei and Kaipara districts.
The hapu shaped the project from the start as we consulted on the best route for the new subtransmission line. When they identified a historical battle site where human remains might be disturbed, we responded by changing our design.
We have continued our partnership with Te Uri o Hau into the construction phase of the project as they guide our field crew on protecting wāhi tapu (sacred sites).
The project is tracking within its original cost range, with a final budget of $21.9m, and has avoided delays, cost escalation and reputational risk often associated with land acquisition.
This experience has become our blueprint for securing private land easements on time critical projects. By combining early partnership, transparency and well planned back up options, we reduced delivery risk, built local trust and kept pace with growth where it matters most.
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