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Safety centre
Go to Safety centreFirstlight Network
Firstlight Network is the lines company that keeps the lights on for Tairāwhiti and Wairoa.
We own and maintain the poles, wires and underground cabling used by electricity retailers to deliver power to your place. We also own the region's high voltage transmission network: the steel towers and poles that connect us to the national grid.
Plus, we’re responsible for electric vehicle chargers from the top of the Coast down to Wairoa and Mahia.
Latest news
Ever wondered how there’s always electricity there when you turn on a light or charge your device?
Understanding how electricity is generated and delivered across New Zealand is important, and Transpower New Zealand has created a fantastic way to explain it.
Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place
A well-placed tree adds beauty, shade, and value to your property—but the wrong tree in the wrong place can lead to power outages, fire risks, and serious safety hazards.
Firstlight Network supports energy saving coaching service in Wairoa
An award-winning coaching service to help whānau manage their electricity use and have drier, healthier homes launched today in Wairoa, with funding support by Firstlight Network.
Resilience and community connectedness at the heart of Firstlight Network
When George Drysdale turned up at Firstlight Network in early 2024 to take up the role of Manager, he was immediately impressed with the unique connection the electricity distribution network…
Being prepared for outages and emergencies
Storms and natural disasters can cause major damage to the electricity network.
Firstlight Network restores power to over 1100 customers across the region
MEDIA RELEASE Firstlight Network has restored power to 1115 customers and continues to respond to widespread outages across the region from South of Wairoa to Te Araroa, which are still impacting…
Firstlight Network keeps communities connected
It’s been an incredibly busy 18 months the Firstlight Network team as they weathered multiple severe weather events in 2023, carried on business as usual, and were welcomed into the…
Enhancing the security of local water supply
Following the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle on Tairāwhiti, the critical importance of a resilient and robust water supply has never been clearer.
Tairāwhiti Superhero Awards
A year on from Cyclone Gabrielle, Gisborne District Council held the Tairāwhiti Superhero Awards on February 15.
A festive finale for 2023
After a full-on 12 months for Firstlight Network and our contractors, we ended 2023 with two of our favourite festive traditions.
Powering a resilient region
The year has been an exceptionally busy one for the team at the region’s lines company.
Tamariki power
Local tamariki have been exploring the wonder of energy, as part of Engineering New Zealand’s Wonder Project.
