Merivale underground cable upgrades

Strengthening Our Power Network

We’re upgrading our electricity infrastructure in Merivale to ensure a reliable and resilient power network.

Between October 2025 and February 2026, we’ll be installing new 11kV underground power cables across several streets in Merivale to strengthen our power network.

Some of the existing underground power cables in Merivale are up to 80 years old and they're still functioning well. Replacing these cables and installing new power cables will improve network capacity and reliability in the area and accommodate future growth and demand for electricity.

From 6 October, we'll be working on to install a new cable from 72 Chapter Street to the intersection with Bretts Road. To do this work safely a one-way system will be in place during the day on Chapter Street travelling from Papanui Road towards Bretts Road.

Where we're working

This work will be carried out in four stages to minimise disruption to the community - see map below. We'll let communities and businesses know when we're working in their areas.

  • Stage One: Mays Road to McDougall Avenue (excluding Innes Road crossing)
  • Stage Two: Leinster Road to McDougall Avenue
  • Stage Three: Innes Road
  • Stage Four: Office Road to Leinster Road

These timings are indicative and subject to change.

Installing the cables

The cables will be installed primarily in the berm and footpath. At times the cable may be installed in the road as we cross roads and intersections.

  • Establishment of the traffic management on site.
  • Milling of the pavement surface.
  • Exposure of existing services using hydro excavation.
  • Digging the trench.
  • Placing and compacting dust in the base of the trench.
  • Laying cable will in the trench.
  • Placing and compacting dust around and on top of the cable ducts.
  • Placing a Mag Slab (cable cover) on top of the dust.
  • The trench will be filled and compacted in layers.
  • Reinstatement of the pavement surface.
  • Disestablishment of the traffic management.

Traffic management

To do this work safely, traffic management will be in place. The traffic management setup will vary where we're working and the type of work we're doing. For more information on traffic management, please read our work notices.

Property access

During the day, vehicle access to properties on the side of the road where we are working may be temporarily restricted while we trench past. We’ll place steel plates over the trench, so residents and businesses can access the property when we’re not working.

Hours of work

The crews will generally work during the day between the hours of 7am - 6pm Monday to Friday. We may need to do early morning or weekend work at times.

Stay up to date

We'll keep this page up to date with the latest information on this project and how it's progressing.

We want to work with the community to minimise the disruption of this work. If you have any questions about this work, you can reach us at haveyoursay@oriongroup.co.nz or anytime day or night through our Customer Support team on 0800 363 9898.

Strengthening Our Power Network

We’re upgrading our electricity infrastructure in Merivale to ensure a reliable and resilient power network.

Between October 2025 and February 2026, we’ll be installing new 11kV underground power cables across several streets in Merivale to strengthen our power network.

Some of the existing underground power cables in Merivale are up to 80 years old and they're still functioning well. Replacing these cables and installing new power cables will improve network capacity and reliability in the area and accommodate future growth and demand for electricity.

From 6 October, we'll be working on to install a new cable from 72 Chapter Street to the intersection with Bretts Road. To do this work safely a one-way system will be in place during the day on Chapter Street travelling from Papanui Road towards Bretts Road.

Where we're working

This work will be carried out in four stages to minimise disruption to the community - see map below. We'll let communities and businesses know when we're working in their areas.

  • Stage One: Mays Road to McDougall Avenue (excluding Innes Road crossing)
  • Stage Two: Leinster Road to McDougall Avenue
  • Stage Three: Innes Road
  • Stage Four: Office Road to Leinster Road

These timings are indicative and subject to change.

Installing the cables

The cables will be installed primarily in the berm and footpath. At times the cable may be installed in the road as we cross roads and intersections.

  • Establishment of the traffic management on site.
  • Milling of the pavement surface.
  • Exposure of existing services using hydro excavation.
  • Digging the trench.
  • Placing and compacting dust in the base of the trench.
  • Laying cable will in the trench.
  • Placing and compacting dust around and on top of the cable ducts.
  • Placing a Mag Slab (cable cover) on top of the dust.
  • The trench will be filled and compacted in layers.
  • Reinstatement of the pavement surface.
  • Disestablishment of the traffic management.

Traffic management

To do this work safely, traffic management will be in place. The traffic management setup will vary where we're working and the type of work we're doing. For more information on traffic management, please read our work notices.

Property access

During the day, vehicle access to properties on the side of the road where we are working may be temporarily restricted while we trench past. We’ll place steel plates over the trench, so residents and businesses can access the property when we’re not working.

Hours of work

The crews will generally work during the day between the hours of 7am - 6pm Monday to Friday. We may need to do early morning or weekend work at times.

Stay up to date

We'll keep this page up to date with the latest information on this project and how it's progressing.

We want to work with the community to minimise the disruption of this work. If you have any questions about this work, you can reach us at haveyoursay@oriongroup.co.nz or anytime day or night through our Customer Support team on 0800 363 9898.

Page last updated: 08 Oct 2025, 02:32 PM