100 years of Waipā Networks
Delivering for our community; past, present, and future
For more than 100 years, we’ve been delivering electricity for the community. Today, electricity is a fundamental part of our region’s story that connects our past, present, and future.
The Spark of progress
Over a century ago, electricity in Aotearoa was just a curiosity, mainly used for streetlights in cities.
In Waipā, it was an idea with limitless potential that would soon connect people and places; industry and progress; today with tomorrow.
Over the years, we’ve embraced change and innovation to keep up with the demands of a growing rohe.
In 1910, the Horohoro Power Station was built by the Waihi Gold Mining Company, bringing power to the mines and the first large-scale hydro-electric scheme in the North Island. Electricity was used for a range of things, including air compressors, motors and hoisting gear.
In 1919 the first Electric Power Board in New Zealand was established in Te Awamutu, closely followed by the Cambridge Electric Power Board in 1920. The two boards merged to create Waipā Power Limited in 1993 before it was renamed Waipā Networks in 1998.
Leamington was the first district in the Waikato to benefit from this electricity and during a celebration on 29 April 1921 the Leamington Hall was “ceremoniously flooded with a magnificent light from nine powerful lamps.”
From the construction of the Arapuni Dam in the 1930s to the modernisation of our substations in the early 2000s, we’ve had to adapt, adopting new technologies and growing our team in the process to keep the lights on in Waipā.
The power of community
From the very beginning, our network has been built on the strength of our community.
We’re proud to be 100% owned by the Waipā Networks Trust on behalf of our customers.
Our kaupapa is not shareholders or profit – it’s delivering cost-effective and reliable energy services and solutions to meet the needs of our growing rohe.
Through the decades, we’ve seen how the power of community can drive progress and innovation.
Today, our commitment to the community remains as strong as ever, as we continue to work together to create a brighter future for all.
Today, Waipā is growing faster than ever before. We’re investing to support this growth, enabling the next phase of electrification and evolving to meet future demands.
The future is bright
From expanding our renewable energy capabilities to implementing cutting-edge technologies, we’re dedicated to creating a future where everyone in our district can enjoy the benefits of a modern and resilient electricity network. Together, we’re building a brighter future for Waipā.
The first of its kind for Waipā Networks, our new Hautapu substation marks a significant landmark for the business and the wider egion, unlocking 96 MW of additional capacity for our network.
Once complete, it will help to support the rapid growth our region is experiencing, including powering more than 13,000 new homes.
We‘ve recently upgraded the underground cables in Te Awamutu to 11kV to provide a more secure and reliable electricity supply for the future – however, this is just the start.
We’re currently putting our Te Awamutu network under the microscope to better understand our current capacity and what’s needed to deliver enduring value for our community in the future.
The Waipā Networks whānau
We believe that our people are our greatest asset. Our team is like a family, with many employees having deep roots in the industry. Whether it’s the past, present, or future, being a part of Waipā Networks means being part of a legacy of excellence and commitment to serving our community.
Family legacy
Over the years, many families have chosen to build their careers with us, leaving a lasting mark on our story. From fathers and sons to three generational families, we’re proud to be a workplace that values the strength and connection of whānau.
Decades of dedication
For more than 100 years, we’ve proudly served our community, helping to power its success. Throughout that time, our team has remained deeply committed — with many of our current staff now entering their fourth or even fifth decade of service.
Future focused
As we honour the generations who’ve helped shape our journey, we’re equally focused on the future. We’re committed to growing a strong, skilled, and diverse team to carry our values forward and meet the future demands of our growing rohe.
As we reflect on our journey, one thing remains clear: our commitment to powering communities is unwavering.
We are proud of our history, inspired by our present, and excited for our future.
Together, we will continue to innovate, grow, and serve our community with dedication and passion.
Waipā Networks – powering communities; past, present, and future.