Waikato and upper North Island (WUNI) stage 2 project short-list consultation

We are working on a series of potential investments to reliably meet electricity demand forecasts in the WUNI region through to 2055, and we want to hear from you.
Waikato

We are consulting on a short-list of potential electricity infrastructure investments to ensure a reliable electricity supply to the Waikato and upper North Island (WUNI) region, and we want to hear from you.

The WUNI region, covering Northland, Auckland and Waikato is home to nearly 40% of Aotearoa's energy demand. With some local thermal power stations closing and demand in the area increasing, grid resilience is more important than ever. We are proposing a range of solutions including grid upgrades and advanced technologies, as well as non-transmission solutions as part of our future strategy. 
 
Consultation documents:

WUNI2 - Short-list consultation overview

WUNI2 Attachment 1 - Need
WUNI2 Attachment 2 - Short list of development plans 
WUNI2 Attachment 3 - Demand and generation scenarios
WUNI2 Attachment 3 -Appendix A
WUNI2 - Attachment 4 - Benefits modelling
WUNI2 - Attachment 5 - Investment test
WUNI2 - Attachment 6 - Indicative starting allocations

The consultation will run from 15 January 2026 to 25 February 2026, and we invite stakeholders including local communities, councils and mana whenua to email any feedback or queries to [email protected].

You can read more about the project here.