Rangitāne o Wairau has been meeting regularly with Transpower to discuss what should happen to the ageing Cook Strait HVDC submarine cables once new replacement cables are installed around 2030–2031. These cables, laid in 1964 and 1991 and sitting alongside the newer fibre‑optic line, have been resting in Te Moana‑o‑Raukawa for decades.

The HVDC link is one of the most important parts of Aotearoa’s electricity system, connecting Te Waipounamu and Te Ika‑a‑Māui so power can flow between the islands. To keep the national grid secure, Transpower is planning a major upgrade, including

installing new HVDC submarine cables in 2030–2031. Once the new system is operating, the older cables will need to be decommissioned, which is the stage tangata whenua are now actively shaping.

Last month, members of Rangitāne, Ngāti Rārua, and Ngāti Toa Rangatira visited Ōraumoa / Fighting Bay, one of the key landing points where the HVDC system meets the moana. The site holds deep cultural significance, archaeological history, and is environmentally sensitive, with rocky reefs, fish nurseries, marine mammals, wetlands, lizard habitats, and bird species such as tūturiwhatu / banded dotterel present. The terrain and history here meant the original HVDC installation was groundbreaking for its time - a testament to the ingenuity required to connect Aotearoa. Returning to this remote location provided valuable context as planning begins for the next phase.

We shared a clear initial view: removing the old cables is preferred - where it is safe and feasible to do so. We also acknowledged that full removal may not be possible in some areas due to depth, seabed movement, ecological sensitivity, and cable congestion.

Before confirming a final position, iwi have asked Transpower for more information on ecological impacts on rocky reefs and nursery habitats, sediment plume modelling, long‑term degradation or contamination risks, removal feasibility for each section, and clear disposal pathways with a focus on recycling rather than landfill. Transpower intends to take initial recommendations to its Board in March, with wider public consultation expected later this year.

The image below shows one of the key landing sites - a reminder of the scale and significance of this kaupapa for our rohe and our role as kaitiaki.