Our New Zealand team hit the water as they commenced work to lay a second, diverse submarine fibre optic cable to Waiheke Island. 

The new cable, which will cross from Maraetai Beach to Woodside Bay on Waiheke Island, is more than 6km in length and weighs over 13,500kg. The work to lay the cable will take approximately ten days and is a joint project between Visionstream, Chorus and Wellington-based specialist marine vessel operator, Seaworks.

General Manager for New Zealand, Jim Tocher, says he is happy to be partnering with Chorus on this project.

We know how important a reliable internet connection is and we are proud to have played a role in bringing this infrastructure to the community of Waiheke Island"

'The design and delivery of the undersea cable between Auckland and Waiheke Island was an interesting challenge for us,' Jim said. 

"We needed a solution that could safely deliver a high-quality internet connection to the island, and also one that could reduce the risk of future damage or connection issues inherent with offshore links.'

"After assessing several options, Chorus and Visionstream landed on a sustainable solution that will provide a level of security of service to Waiheke residents and visitors for many years to come'

Work on the project has been ongoing since September and has involved drilling for the land section as well as deploying a team of divers whose job was to survey the sea floor route that the cable will take.
 

_{Pictured above: From left to right - Garth Spencer (Ventia), Ethan Tey (Chorus), JB Rousselot (Chorus) , Steve Gleadell (Chorus), Daryl May (Chorus), Holly Cushen (Chorus), Hilton Way, and Jim Tocher (Ventia).}