Last updated: 23 Feb 2026
What are we doing?
Transpower and Powerco are working together to plan and deliver the essential upgrades on the electricity network that are needed to enable the Western Bay of Plenty region to continue to flourish, now and into the future. This is a long-term programme with delivery spanning over the next 10 years.
It is a plan that has involved meeting with councils, other infrastructure operators, agencies and major electricity users to share our approach and gain an understanding of the region’s needs and aspirations. The feedback received has helped refine our plan that is now in delivery.
Why are we doing it?
The Western Bay of Plenty region is growing. Its electricity infrastructure needs to grow too, to ensure power is available when and where people and businesses need it. Electricity demand in the region is projected to possibly double by 2050.
Timeline and updates
Since confirmation from the Commerce Commission to approve our planned investments in June 2025, we are moving to the detailed design needed across the projects. A high-level overview of all the projects planned by Transpower and Powerco can be found here (published November 2025).
For Transpower's projects design on the following are now underway:
- Replacing the conductor on the transmission line between our Kaitemako and Te Matai substations.
- Replacing the conductor on the transmission line between our Te Matai and Okere substations
- Replacing the conductor on the transmission line between our Tarukenga and Okere substations.
- Installing a new transformer at the Kaitemako substation
Further work between ourselves and Powerco is also underway on the following projects:
- The new grid exit point (substation) near Tauriko and a new connecting line to this area from our existing 220 kV line between Tarukenga and Kaitemako.
- The reconductoring of our line between the Kaitemako and Tauranga substations.
Our work is planned to be completed in stages, with our overall regional development work being finished by the end of 2035.
More information
As we move through delivery of our projects, we will keep you updated here, or through our newsletter. Please enter your details here to receive this newsletter from Transpower and Powerco. Our most recent newsletter is available here.
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Get in touch
We also invite anyone, particularly those representing an organisation, iwi, community or interest group to contact us if you would like more information or to host a presentation or discussion for your group. We are happy to share more about how this work is progressing at a time that works for you.
We value your interest, and your feedback. You can contact us at [email protected]