Our Aotea Electric Canterbury team was proud to handle the full electrical fit-out on Akaroa’s rebuilt Drummonds Jetty. From marine-grade cabling to the new night-time lighting that now signals a safe welcome home.
When the first boats eased up to Akaroa’s rebuilt Drummonds Jetty in February, the waterfront gained far more than a new structure. It gained fresh confidence that the Banks Peninsula’s maritime heritage – and its future – will remain vibrant for decades to come. For Aotea Electric Canterbury, being the electrical contractor on the project was equal parts privilege and logistical challenge, requiring daily hill crossings, marine-grade ingenuity, and a deep appreciation of what this jetty means to locals and visitors alike.
From Deterioration to Renewal
Under the Council’s Marine Structures Renewal Programme, Drummonds Jetty was earmarked for a complete rebuild in the same location. Construction began in 2024, led by the main contractor HEB Construction, supported by a network of specialist sub-trades – including Aotea Electric Canterbury. There were very few remnants visible from the old original Drummonds Jetty, however, the proposal for the new rebuild on the original site provided contingency and an alternative to the main Wharf for this historic Banks Peninsula settlement.
Drummonds Jetty: electrical fit-out of the Power Pedestals
Aotea’s Role:
- Deliver safe, reliable power to the new Jetty
- Create a night-time lighting scheme that would improve safety and respect the harbour’s environment
With the help of HEB, our suppliers, and Orion-approved contractors, a new electrical connection was installed across the road to the new hardwood timber wharf via a new stainless steel integrated switchboard. From here, we were able to provide power to the TallyKey Power Pedestals and automated LED lighting to conceal wiring within or beneath the structure where practical to ensure the final product was as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
Marine-grade electrical cabling safely concealed beneath the Jetty
Over the Hill and Onto the Water
Each workday started before dawn as our vans made the winding trip over the peninsula summit. Every screw, gland, and cable tie had to be on board before leaving Christchurch; there are no five-minute dashes to an electrical wholesaler in Akaroa. Careful planning kept the schedule on track.
On site, variable tides and coastal weather added an extra layer of complexity. Crews often worked around rising swells and thick banks of harbour fog – conditions that demanded flexible timing and strict safety protocols. Despite these challenges, the project team maintained momentum and delivered the Jetty’s electrical package.
Installation of automated LED lighting on Drummonds Jetty
Opening Day: A Community Affair
Councillor Tyrone Fields spoke of the Jetty’s cultural and historical importance. On completion of the opening ceremony, spectators stepped onto the deck and down the gangway to try out the new floating pontoon – purpose-built for deeper-draft commercial and recreational vessels.
What Comes Next?
With Drummonds Jetty now complete, the momentum shifts towards the main Akaroa Wharf replacement, scheduled to launch in 2026. Drummonds will shoulder much of the harbour’s activity during that period – exactly the contingency it was designed for.
A Note of Thanks
Projects like this succeed because skilled tradespeople pour heart and expertise into every nut and bolt. Thanks to our dedicated team.
We would like to acknowledge HEB, EGIS, Projectum and the Christchurch City Council project team for their collaboration, and most importantly the Akaroa community for its patience and support. From daylight installation runs, staying overnight away from loved ones, to pre-dawn illumination commissioning for the perfect glow, it was a team effort all the way.
So next time you wander along Beach Road at dusk, glance toward the harbour. The soft, even wash of light across the timber deck? That’s our team’s handiwork – quietly ensuring Akaroa stays welcoming, safe, and ready for its next chapter on the water.
Completing the electrical fit-out of the Power Pedestals
Take a look at another coastal electrical project: Reinstating Cave Rock Mast Lighting.