12 Nov 2026
Transpower has appointed a new panel of engineering design consultancies to help build the specialist workforce capability needed to deliver its growing infrastructure programme while improving procurement efficiency and value for consumers.
Transpower Executive General Manager Grid Development Matt Webb said the Engineering Consultant Design Panel would give engineering firms greater visibility of upcoming work, providing more confidence to recruit and develop people, build expertise, and invest in the systems and training needed to maintain that capability.
“New Zealand’s electricity system will need significant investment as demand grows and the country electrifies. We need to make sure the engineering capability required to design and deliver that infrastructure grows with it,” Mr Webb said.
“Giving our engineering partners better visibility of future work will help them plan and invest in the specialist expertise the sector will need.”
The successful panel members are AECOM, APD Global, Aurecon, Beca, ElectroNet, Ergo, Groundline, Jacobs, Lumen, Niko and Stantec.
The panel covers engineering design and related services across substations, transmission lines, protection and automation, and telecommunications.
The appointments followed a rigorous competitive procurement process to replace the existing panel, which expires at the end of 2026. The new panel is scheduled to commence on 1 January 2027. It is intended to operate for an initial three-and-a-half-year term, with two possible three-year extensions.
The model establishes common commercial and contractual arrangements and a clearer framework for performance, value, innovation and continuous improvement. Panel members will work alongside Transpower’s in-house engineering teams, which will continue to provide engineering leadership, standards and project support.
Electricity demand is expected to increase by 80% by 2050. The new generation connections, asset renewals and wider infrastructure investment required to support that growth will increase demand for engineering capability.
“Greater certainty will help engineering firms plan for the long term and strengthen the specialist capability available in New Zealand,” Mr Webb said.
“That will support delivery of the infrastructure the country needs while providing better value for consumers.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Transpower’s Communications team on 021 195 8613 or [email protected].