Sod turning at The Lines Company’s new head office and depot.
A new head office and depot in Te Kūiti will help The Lines Company (TLC) keep the lights on even when lives are on the line.
By redeveloping its Waitete office and depot site, the company will be more energy efficient and better equipped for rapid response during earthquakes, storms and other disasters, chief executive Mike Fox said.
Iwi, Waitomo District Council, Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust and construction partners gather alongside The Lines Company board and staff for site blessing
“We’re a lifeline utility. Following a natural disaster, we must be able to operate quickly and efficiently. A modern, purpose-designed facility helps achieve this.”
Ground was broken at the site last week following a blessing by Waitomo councillor and Ngāti Rōrā kaikarakia, Isaiah Wallace. construction is expected to be completed in November.
The electricity distributor’s King Street offices and Waitete depot have served the company for about 70 and 40 years respectively, but are no longer up to standard, Fox said.
The redevelopment will also unite the company’s northern-based team under one roof.
Isaiah Wallace blesses the site of The Lines Company’s new Te Kūiti office and depot
“Our new base represents more than bricks and timber, it symbolises our commitment to creating a safe, modern, people-first workplace.
“I’m looking forward to bringing our team together, united in purpose, growing communities with energy.”
“While we are redeveloping the site, The Lines Company team will continue to operate as normal, ensuring uninterrupted service to our customers.”
The fate of the King Street building is yet to be decided, but it is expected to be put to good use.
“We are working alongside Waitomo District Council and other stakeholders to decide what might happen to the King Street building and site. We absolutely guarantee that we will not leave the building vacant to become derelict.”
The redevelopment extends the company’s commitment to the region for at least another 50 years, Fox said.
“This project is not just about a new building, it’s about supporting our people, making our operations future-resilient, strengthening our service and investing in our region.”
Sod turning at The Lines Company’s new head office and depot. LtoR: Waitomo mayor, John Robertson, Bella Takiari-Brame (TLC board chair), William Oliver (WESCT) Olivia Buckley (councillor and WESCT trustee), Isaiah Wallace (Ngāti Rōrā kaikarakia), Janette Osborne (councillor and WESCT Trustee) and TLC chief executive Mike Fox
