News
Severe weather puts Waipā electricity network to the test
Waipā Networks crews have completed extensive repair work across the district following severe weather and flooding that caused widespread damage across parts of the local electricity network. The most significant impacts were experienced in Western Waikato, including Pirongia and Kāwhia, where flooding, road closures and slips damaged poles, lines and other electrical equipment. Some assets were …..
Read moreWaipā Networks appoints Damien Whiffen as Chief Executive
Waipā Networks has announced the appointment of Damien Whiffen as its new Chief Executive, effective 20 April 2026. Waipā Networks Board Chair Jonathan Kay says Whiffen brings deep technical expertise, proven leadership and a strong commitment to community-focused network management. “Damien’s a highly respected leader in the energy sector with enormous experience across electricity distribution, asset management and operations,” …..
Read moreWind, rain and 146 callouts: How we kept the lights on over Christmas
Every December, when most people begin to wind down and switch off for the year, on-call crews from lines companies across Aotearoa switch on to ensure the power stays on too. On call 24/7, fault staff are ready to respond to initial customer calls, such as no power or faulty equipment. If they cannot resolve …..
Read moreCelebrating 15 years at Harrison Drive
Fifteen years ago, we moved into our newly built depot on Harrison Drive in Te Awamutu, a milestone that marked the end of one era and the beginning of another for our team. This purpose-built facility brought our operations together under one modern roof, giving us the space and capability to deliver the technological and …..
Read moreNEW PHD PROJECT EXPLORES GREATER ELECTRICITY RESILIENCE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
The New Zealand National Fieldays Society, in partnership with Waipā Networks and in collaboration with Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington and Lincoln University, has launched a three-year PhD project to explore how rural resilience can be improved by focusing on how electricity is used, produced, and shared on farms. This will be …..
Read morePowered by people, invested in you
Meet Tiaan, Waipā Networks Project Manager and proud Te Awamutu local. He is one of five project managers who plan and deliver electrical upgrade projects across our network. Delivering projects across our network, Tiaan, Manga, Paul, Renier and Bhavish look after the lifecycles of several projects, from scoping, ordering equipment, scheduling outages, and keeping customers …..
Read moreTe Awamutu Community Gala is back
Get ready for an afternoon and evening of fun. The Te Awamutu Community Gala is back on Friday, 7 November at Albert Park! Waipā Networks is proud to support this event again through our level two sponsorship, helping unite our community in a celebration of connection and local pride. This popular event brings together locals …..
Read moreZak tops cable jointer competition at Annual Connection
Waipā Networks cable jointer Zak Ramsey has taken out first place at the Connexis Annual Connection Cable Jointing Competition, building on his third-place finish at last year’s event. Over two challenging days, Zak won four of the seven events, showcasing skill, precision, and determination under pressure. This year’s event, hosted by Orion, Connectics, and EA …..
Read moreIt’s discount time, Waipā
The latest round of customer discounts is on the way for Waipā Networks customers as part of our ongoing commitment to delivering value to our community. As a 100% customer-owned electricity distribution company, every dollar we earn is reinvested back into Waipā, supporting local families, businesses, and community initiatives. LOCAL OWNERSHIP DELIVERED PROFITS BACK TO …..
Read moreWaipā eyes the win at next week’s lines competition
They keep the lights on in Waipā, and now they’re stepping into the spotlight at the prestigious Annual Connection lines competition at Canterbury Agricultural Park in Christchurch next week. From 21 – 23 October, Waipā Network’s team of line mechanics and cable jointers will join more than 100 of New Zealand’s best as they demonstrate …..
Read moreTechies in turbo mode for EVolocity’s race day
Waipā Networks supported up-and-coming tech talent last weekend at the EVolocity regional race day at Kartsport Hamilton, where competitors from Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Rotorua showcased their speed, skill, and innovative spirit on the track. EVolocity is a national programme that inspires secondary school students throughout Aotearoa to design, build, and race their own …..
Read moreWaipā Networks Chief Executive to step down at year-end
Waipā Networks Chief Executive Sean Horgan will step down from his role at the end of December 2025 after more than three years leading the organisation. Horgan has led a period of strong growth at Waipā Networks. Under his leadership, we’ve invested heavily in capacity and resilience, strengthened future-focused capability, improved performance and delivery across …..
Read moreCommunity ownership’s keeping local dollars working hard for Waipā
In a time when whānau are feeling the pinch and rising living costs are squeezing households and businesses, Waipā Networks is showing what being community-owned means, powering people, not profits, and returning value directly to its customers. In the past financial year, Waipā Networks reported* more than $14 million returned to the community through discounts, …..
Read moreTe Awamutu family’s 92-year legacy of keeping the lights on in Waipā
For over 92 years, three generations of one family have been a steadfast presence in the Waipā district’s energy story. They’ve braved storms, crossed rivers, and climbed poles in the dark. They’ve answered the call whenever Waipā needed power restored. And their legacy is one of resilience, service, and generational pride. The Muraahi name has …..
Read moreWaipā Networks welcomes new board director Alex Ball
We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Ball to the Waipā Networks board of directors. Alex is an experienced chair and non-executive director, with a governance career spanning advisory and board roles across New Zealand’s medium-sized and growth companies. He brings over 30 years of commercial leadership experience in infrastructure, technology, telecommunications, and financial …..
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