Upgrading key Northland substations
Across Dargaville and Maungatapere, Northpower is upgrading substation infrastructure and installing new connections to enable renewable electrification and increased capacity.
Annual Report 2026
27 May 2026
Planning the next decade
Northpower’s Asset Management Plan maps out the key investments we have in the 2026 to 2036 pipeline to support the growth of the Kaipara and Whangārei region and meet our customers’ evolving energy needs.
The Kaipara and Whangārei regions will experience 20 and 27% growth respectively by 2051. This means that we have to prepare for growth so our customers today and into the future can continue to experience a seamless electricity service.
To achieve a seamless electricity service, we are spending more than $414 million over the next 10 years, investing in new infrastructure and upgrading our ageing assets.
Throughout the region, we’re planning four substation upgrades in Maungatapere, Maungaturoto, Whangārei South and Bream Bay, some of which are already underway. We also have other significant infrastructure projects planned throughout the region including a new subtransmission line from Maungaturoto to Mangawhai.
These projects will provide a safe, reliable network across the regions, that’s easy to restore when weather events occur.
Increased investment in upgrades and expansion of our network means that you will continue to see our lines crews out and about, working hard to keep our network in good condition.
More resilient network case studies and articles...
Upgrading Kensington substation
In Whangārei, Northpower is upgrading Kensington substation infrastructure, installing new transformers, switchgear and capacity to support growing electricity demand.
Partnering with the Mangawhai community
Partnering with landowners and hapu, Northpower is delivering 33kV infrastructure to support growth in Mangawhai while enabling timely, community-led project outcomes.
