How natural gas should be used was the subject of debate for several years after it was first found in Taranaki in 1959. The possibility of using it to generate electricity was rejected in favour of using it as a primary source of energy, available to homes, factories and businesses. A substantial transmission network had to be set up. A ten-inch main pipeline carried gas from Taranaki to North Island towns and cities, and the existing coal gas system prepared for use. The system was meant to be up and going in 1969, but it was late 1970 before it was ready.

This simplified map provides an indication of the location of the high pressure gas pipelines owned by Vector and Maui Development. To obtain further information or an accurate location of pipelines please contact Vector on 0800 734 567.