Construction started on North Island Grid Upgrade Project

8 February 2010

The first phase of construction on the North Island Grid Upgrade Project starts this month on the overhead transmission line and substation components of the project.

Work on the new 186km, 400 kV capable overhead transmission line starts in the Franklin District, in and around Hunua, Mangatangi, Kopuku and Paparimu on 8 February. Work is also starting on the new substation at the existing Pakuranga site in Auckland this month.

NIGUP Project Director Nick Coad, said that a lot of planning has gone into ensuring that the construction activity for this project causes as little disruption as possible to the communities we are working in.

"There is a real focus on how we will work in the community, and a commitment to ensuring that we do it right.The construction programme is designed, as much as possible, to accommodate farming activities, availability of access to properties and the most efficient use of crews and equipment," he said.

Building a project of this size requires large labour crews and these crews will require some accommodation, food, and construction materials like concrete which will be sourced locally where possible.

"In addition, where possible we've also chosen to employ local contractors and local people on the project," says Nick Coad.

Regular updates on our construction activity will be available on this website.

To find out more information please contact us on 0800 33 33 68.