March 09, 2026

#regional: Reward Offered As Power Company Battles Surge In Copper Thefts

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 9, 2026

A North Canterbury electricity lines company is offering a cash reward in an effort to stop a growing wave of copper thefts targeting critical power infrastructure.

MainPower has announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the identification of those responsible for stealing copper from its electricity network. The company is appealing to the public to come forward with information as incidents of theft continue to rise across the region.

The thefts have primarily involved copper earthing wires attached to power poles, an essential safety component designed to direct electricity safely into the ground during a fault. When those wires are removed, the protection system for the pole and surrounding equipment is compromised, increasing the risk of electric shock, fire and other hazards for both workers and the public.

MainPower says more than 200 earthing wires have already been stolen this year, placing significant pressure on the company and creating substantial costs associated with repairing the damage and restoring safety protections across the network.

Despite the danger involved, the financial gain from the stolen material is relatively small. Scrap copper prices mean each theft returns only a modest amount to offenders, even as the risk of serious injury or death remains extremely high.

The electricity distributor says the thefts are not only illegal but also undermine the reliability of essential infrastructure relied on by thousands of homes and businesses. The cost of repairs and lost time also impacts local electricity consumers because the network is owned by a community trust.

MainPower supplies electricity to more than 46,000 customers across North Canterbury, with a network that stretches from north of the Waimakariri River through the Waimakariri and Hurunui districts to Kaikōura.

The company is urging anyone who sees suspicious activity around power poles or electrical infrastructure to report it immediately to police. Information about previous incidents can also be provided through a dedicated reporting line established as part of the reward programme.

Energy sector leaders say copper theft remains an ongoing problem across parts of Aotearoa, with power companies warning that the damage caused by removing even small sections of wiring can create major safety risks for communities and electricity workers.