PowerNet’s new Frankton office and depot is now complete, giving its local team a permanent base to support the growing Lakeland electricity network.

PowerNet Chief Executive Paul Blue said PowerNet has operated from a leased base in Queenstown since 2016, but given the significant growth in the region, the construction of a dedicated office and depot sets the company up to support that growth and enhance the team’s service delivery capability.

Construction started in March 2025 and was completed with the concreting of the driveway and carpark in May 2026.

“We’re excited to complete this project both on time and on budget. We have about 20 staff permanently based at the site and it is used regularly by visiting PowerNet staff from other offices.”

PowerNet manages the Lakeland Network in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago region, which is continuing to grow, with more than 6,500 customers connected to the modern, underground electricity network.

“Our significant investment in this new building reflects our long-term commitment to the region and our focus on growing the Lakeland Network,” Mr Blue said.

The site includes several sustainability initiatives, including solar panels and a 50kW high powered DC charger for electric vehicles.

The building design, completed by McCulloch Architects, has strong links to the Invercargill and Balclutha depots.

Cook Brothers Construction Queenstown Regional Manager Josh Gibbons said, “It’s been a great project to be part of from start to finish.”

“Delivering a live site in stages while the PowerNet team continued operating required strong collaboration, planning, and flexibility from everyone involved. The partnership between Cook Brothers Construction and the PowerNet team has been a real highlight, and we’re proud to have delivered a high-quality facility that will support the region’s continued growth for years to come.”

The Brookes Road site also encompasses a new warehouse built for Corys Electrical, PowerNet’s key supplier.

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