Last updated: 19 Aug 2025
What are we doing?
We need to continually operate, maintain and develop New Zealand's transmission network – the National Grid – to ensure we meet the ongoing electricity needs of New Zealanders.
This project is about increasing the capacity of the two 220 kV lines between Bunnythorpe and Whakamaru in a staged manner so we can cater for more generation and meet the future needs of New Zealand households and businesses.
There are two separate subprojects underway:
Why are we doing it?
With expected electrification (like more electric vehicles and industrial processes using electricity instead of gas, coal or diesel) and expected new generation in the North Island there is significant economic benefit to New Zealand in providing more capacity in the electricity transmission network.
More Information
This project, a capacity boost to the existing HVDC inter-island link and an upgrade to the capacity of the area around Wairakei and Whakamaru were approved by the Commerce Commission as a Net Zero Grid Pathways investment.