ChargeNet’s new Kaiapoi charger out of action after cables vandalised

ChargeNet’s newly installed charger at Kaiapoi New World is out of service after two of its charging cables were vandalised, and the company says it cannot yet put a date on its return.

Replacement cables are being sourced, with a revised return-to-service date to be confirmed. The site is one of six ChargeNet flagged in a network update this week, though the others are planned maintenance rather than damage.

Two of those are still to come. The Paekākāriki charger will be unavailable during the morning of Friday 25 September, and the Hāwera charger during the morning of Monday 28 September, with both expected back in service the same afternoon.

Three others were scheduled to return yesterday: Taihape New World after a final meter installation, Waikanae after morning works, and Mosgiel New World after an upgrade, expected back by about 3pm. ChargeNet says all timings are approximate and can shift as work progresses, and asks drivers to check its app or network map before setting off for current status and alternative stations.

The Kaiapoi damage shows the exposure of single-charger sites, where one act of vandalism removes the whole location from the network. Charging data published this month found multi-plug sites are used far more heavily than single-plug ones, a shape ChargeNet is moving toward at its newer hubs while it absorbs older single-charger sites from lines companies.