Firstlight Network will be using a helicopter to carry out pole top photography across its electricity network from early October 2026. 

Pole top photography involves flying over the network and using GPS coordinates to take high resolution photos of overhead lines, poles and associated equipment. The work will take around eight weeks to complete and plans to capture 34,000 poles.  

“Pole top photography gives us a fast and effective way to assess the condition of the local electricity network, identify any defects, and monitor vegetation that may grow into lines.  

“We understand people may have questions about privacy, however, please be assured that the photography will only capture our power lines and poles,” says Karen Frew, General Manager Electricity for Firstlight Network and Powerco. 

Aethon Aerial Solutions will be carrying out the work on behalf of Firstlight Network.  

  The helicopters will strictly follow Civil Aviation Authority regulations and will fly above 300 metres in urban areas and above 150 metres in rural areas.  

In the event of bad weather, work will be rescheduled. 

Low-flying helicopters can sometimes be unsettling, particularly for animals. 

For more information, visit firstlightnetwork.co.nz/helicopter. To talk to one of the team about when the helicopter might be flying over your area, ring 0800 206 207. 

25 September 2026

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