Taupo Quay to Beach Road (stage one) 33kV upgrade

What’s the situation? 

A section of the 33kV electricity circuit between Taupō Quay Substation and Beach Road Substation has overhead lines and poles in the Whanganui River, Te Awa Tupua.  

These mass reinforced concrete poles are in poor condition, corroding and falling apart due to the tidal wash. They're nearing the end of their life and pose safety risk. 
 
We’d like to remove them and create a new underground 33kV cable in the road reserve from Beach Road, to Heads Road, to Kings Avenue. 

 

Why’s this important? 

• Increase security of electricity supply and reliability of power for customers. 
• Work with hapū at place along with Ngā Tāngata Tiaki and Te Pou Tupua and hapū  to determine the right approach for the removal of the six poles in this sensitive area of the awa. 
• There is an opportunity to clean this part of the awa and leave it in a better place than how we found it. 
• Work with the residents and stakeholders to remove the poles and install the new underground circuit. 

 

When will this work take place?

Works are currently in the early planning and engagement stage with the aim of starting construction in April 2028. 

 

How will we engage with affected parties and the wider community?

We’re in the very early stages of engagement. In October 2025 we held an event in Whanganui with various stakeholders, where we received feedback on who, and how we need to engage. In early 2026 meetings with hapū at place and Te Pou Tupua are planned. 

 

Find out more 

community@powerco.co.nz