The cables form part of the High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) link, which allows electricity to flow between the North and South Islands. They were installed in 1991 and are due to be decommissioned, once new cables are installed as part of a wider upgrade to the link. This upgrade is essential to ensure the link can continue to support a reliable, secure electricity supply for New Zealand and enable the supply of the lowest cost electricity across both islands.
From 13 April to 8 May 2026 Transpower consulted on options for managing the existing cables once decommissioned.
Read the consultation document here and see the webinar recording below.
Consultation has now closed, thank you to those who submitted. A summary of submissions is linked below along with the submissions received. We’re now considering all feedback. We will keep you updated via this webpage once a decision has been made.
Summary of submissions
HVDC undersea cable decommissioning - summary of submissions - May 2026
Submissions received
MEUG submission - HVDC undersea cable decommissioning
NZS submission - HVDC undersea cable decommissioning
Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira submission - HVDC undersea cable decommissioning
Webinar recording: Cable decommissioning and removal consultation - Monday 20 April 2026
Related links:
News: Transpower consults on removal of ageing Cook Strait electricity cables at end-of-life, 13 April 2026