Enabling Huapai for Northland and North Auckland

Last updated: 08 Apr 2026

Image
Huapai substation ground shot

What are we doing?

Transpower has an existing electrical switching station at Huapai, northwest of Auckland.  At some point in the future, we will need to expand our operations here to meet the growing needs of North Auckland and Northland.  To enable that development we are looking to extend our existing 'designation' (ie environmental approval) to cover an undeveloped area to the west of the current site.  

Why are we doing it?

Building a new substation on our existing site isn't possible because it is being used to power Northland and North Auckland, and we would need to turn it off to do the mahi.  

By securing approval for the extended designation the site approved now, we will:

  • be able to move quickly to build this substation when needed
  • ensure a quick response to future power needs
  • plan and implement environmental improvements  early
  • maintain reliable power supply during future construction
  • help future proof the network for a growing region.

Timeline

We are working on the designation change now and have been talking with the neighbours who overlook the site.   

We expect to lodge the necessary documents with Auckland Council later this year.  

More information

Email us at [email protected] for more information.