Underground cable relocations
Major works underway in Lower Hutt
Since mid-November 2025 major works have been underway in Lower Hutt as part of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi.
To make way for the new Melling Bridge, stop banks, and shared pathways, Wellington Electricity have been trenching key roads within the city centre to lay ducts so they can relocate underground electricity cables inside the construction zone.
The work needs to be done before major construction gets underway, to help avoid future disruption and keep the wider project on track.
Progress update and next steps
The ducting works are expected to be complete by 30 April 2026. Wellington Electricity will then begin digging a series of individual access pits along the route, so that the news cables can be fed through them.
What to expect
The work will be sequenced with the aim of completing each section as quickly and safely as possible with less disruption than the earlier trenching. Crews will operate during the day and keep access open and traffic flowing as much as possible.
As work progresses along the route, crews will notify adjacent businesses and residents before work starts in their area. The work is expected to be completed by August 2026.
Impacted roads include: Connolly Street, Rutherford Street, Dudley Street, Andrews Avenue, Daly Street, Queens Street roundabout (southern end of the city), Marsden Street.
As crews move along the route they will notify businesses and residents within the locality before work gets underway. The work is expected to be completed by August 2026.
Get in touch
If you would like to discuss how these works affect you or your business, please email us at info@teawakairangi.co.nz and include your preferred contact method and/or best time to call.
Find out more
More information and updated versions of the map above will be available as plans are finalised via: www.welectricity.co.nz/major-projects/teawakairangi
To learn more about Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi
- Subscribe to our monthly newsletter via this website
- Follow us on Facebook: Te Awa Kairangi | Delivering RiverLink
- Email us directly at: info@teawakairangi.co.nz
Thank you again for your ongoing patience and cooperation as we work to deliver a safer, more resilient, and better‑connected city.
Your questions answered
Frequently Asked Questions – Cable Relocation Work
Why is this work happening?
Wellington Electricity is relocating underground power cables to make room for major improvements being delivered through Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi. This includes flood protection, transport upgrades, a new Melling Interchange, shared pathways and a new pedestrian bridge.
What has been completed so far?
Between November 2025 and April 2026, crews have trenched along the route to install new underground ducts. These ducts will carry the electricity cables once relocated.
What factors have influenced the timeline for this work?
Once work began, crews encountered complex underground conditions and adverse weather which impacted progress on certain parts of the route.
What is happening now?
Wellington Electricity is digging a series of deeper access pits at intervals along the route. These pits allow the new cables to be pulled through the ducts installed earlier.
Where will the access pits be located?
Exact locations vary depending on cable alignment. A detailed map and schedule will be available as plans are finalised. Visit: www.welectricity.co.nz/major-projects/teawakairangi
Will this stage be as disruptive as the trenching?
Disruption should be lower than during the trenching phase. However, some traffic management and lane changes will still be needed around each access pit for safety.
Will I still be able to access my home or business?
Yes. Access will be maintained wherever possible, and crews will work directly with property owners where special arrangements are needed.
What hours will crews be working?
Work will take place during the day, with any night work notified in advance. Timings may differ depending on the location and traffic conditions.
How long will this work take?
The duration varies by location and complexity. We will provide estimated timeframes when detailed plans for each section are released. Keep up to date via www.welectricity.co.nz/major-projects/teawakairangi
Will my power be turned off?
Most of the work can be completed without outages. If an outage is required, Wellington Electricity will notify affected customers directly with advance notice.
Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns?
Email: info@teawakairangi.co.nz and include your preferred contact method and/or best time to call. We will be in touch.
How can I stay up to date?
To learn more about Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi and progress on this project:
- Subscribe to our monthly newsletter
- Visit www.welectricity.co.nz/major-projects/teawakairangi for progress reports
- Follow us on Facebook: Te Awa Kairangi | Delivering RiverLink
- Email us directly at: info@teawakairangi.co.nz
