We've reached an exciting milestone at our Kaitoke Compressor Station, with two new compressors now installed and construction entering its final stages. The compressors, which arrived from Houston earlier this year, were carefully positioned inside a purpose-built building on site.
Ian Bayliss, Project Manager at Firstgas
Ian Bayliss, Project Manager at Firstgas said, "The installation of the compressors marks a major step forward in a project that plays a key role in strengthening the reliability of the gas transmission system for homes and businesses across the lower North Island.
"Before the compressors were installed, we completed and tested all the key support systems—like backup power, air supply, and lubrication systems—which are now fully up and running. With those essentials in place, the team can now focus on preparing the compressors for operation," explained Bayliss.
Kaitoke Compressor Station
What do the compressors actually do?
In a gas pipeline network, compressors act like the "boosters" of the system. They increase the pressure of the gas, helping it travel long distances through the pipeline. This upgrade at Kaitoke will make the Southern gas transmission network, more efficient and more resilient.
“This is a major milestone,” said Bayliss. “By successfully getting the support systems up and running, we’re able to focus our full attention on the compressors. This approach ensures the highest levels of quality and safety as we move into this next phase.”
The next step is to test and fine-tune the new compressors to make sure they’re working exactly as they should. This includes running safety checks, simulating real operating conditions, and confirming everything integrates smoothly into the wider gas network. This careful testing process will continue through winter, ensuring the equipment is ready to reliably support gas supply before it goes fully live.
Once complete, the upgraded Kaitoke station will provide a more secure, efficient energy supply for the transmission network, now and into the future.