Site blessing held for new substation at Hautapu

Project to strengthen electricity supply

Ngāti Korokı¯-Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā mana whenua, Waipā Networks and Transpower representatives and local body representatives gathered at Hautapu on Tuesday morning for the important first physical step in a new collaborative substation project.

The parties announced the project and said it was aimed at strengthening the electricity supply in the thriving Waipā region and reinforcing the security and reliability of electricity supply into Cambridge and the wider region.

Kaumatua Vinnie Taute led a traditional site blessing, followed by kai at Cambridge Town Hall, before site works get under way later this year.

Taute said collaboration between iwi and major organisations such as Waipā Networks, Transpower and local bodies was crucial to the aspirations of all people of the district.

With a core goal to increase electricity capacity in the local distribution network, the project involves building a Transpower-owned 220Kv

National Grid Substation (GXP) and a Local Network 33kV substation owned by Waipā Networks.

By working closely with landowners, the project has confirmed an ideal site near existing transmission infrastructure for efficiency.

Waipā Networks chief executive Sean Horgan highlighted the project’s significance.

“This project represents a strategic response to the anticipated growth in the Waipā region, particularly in Cambridge,” he said.

He welcomed the expertise and knowledge offered by Transpower as partners in the project.

“It means that we have the infrastructure in place to deal with the projected regional growth. With GDP growth for Cambridge currently more than twice the national average, the Hautapu substation ensures network resilience, increased capacity, and security of supply for both Cambridge and the wider Waipā region,” he said.

Transpower grid works delivery manager Alison Blackler said it was an important project for Transpower as owner and operator of the national grid.

She said working with Waipā Networks allowed them to improve the local high-voltage transmission network between nearby power generation and the growing base of consumers.

Expected completion date for the project is early 2025.

Photo / Dean Taylor Transpower grid works delivery manager Alison Blackler and Waipā Networks CEO Sean Horgan spoke about the positive outcomes of collaboration with landowners and mana whenua for the provision of clean energy for the future growth of Cambridge and Waipā.

Photo / Dean Taylor Ngāti Korokı¯-Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā kaumatua Vinnie Taute heads the site blessing at Hautapu on Tuesday morning.

After kai at Cambridge Town Hall, attendees at the blessing were able to view renderings of the projected substation designs.