There’s been a rise in copper thefts nationwide, with thieves risking electrocution for a handful of dollars of the precious metal.
More than 200 copper earthing wire thefts have occurred from power poles across North Canterbury in the first nine weeks of 2026.
Orion documenting 173 thefts across its network in six months—including 60+ in Selwyn alone over two weeks—and MainPower hit by 200+ incidents in North Canterbury. Hotspots span Sheffield, Kirwee, Prebbleton, Lincoln, Leeston, and rural Waimakariri to Kaikōura.
North Canterbury lines company MainPower is offering $5,000 for significant information on such copper wire thefts. Call 0800 WIRETHEFT to report it.
“We have experienced more than 200 thefts this year alone,” says MainPower chief executive Sean Horgan. “The growing number of incidents is putting pressure on our resources and costing our community a lot in replacement and operational time.”
Horgan estimates the opportunity cost to MainPower to repairing thefts at over $1 million.
“That money would be much better spent on upgrading the MainPower electricity network or supporting the communities of North Canterbury. As a community-trust owned business, copper theft is costing every power consumer in the region.”
Horgan says the thefts are expensive, incredibly dangerous and disruptive for our customers. “The earth wires play a critical role in maintaining a safe and stable electricity system and their removal compromises an important safety mechanism.”
Horgan says the value of the copper being stolen is low in the grand scheme of things. “Copper currently sells for around $14 – $17 per kg, and each theft nets very little. To gain a few dollars, the individuals engaging in these high-risk criminal activities are putting our communities at risk of injury or even loss of life.
“These thefts undermine the safety and reliability of the network and reduce confidence in essential infrastructure our communities rely on. Therefore, we are putting up a reward of $5,000.00.”
Why copper earthing wires are used
Copper earthing wires are vital safety components. In a power pole fault, they channel electricity safely into the ground, preventing shocks or equipment damage.
Removing them creates serious hazards. Theft eliminates this grounding path, raising risks of electric shock, severe burns, fires, or live wire exposure during faults.
“When these materials are stolen, it not only compromises the integrity of our infrastructure but also puts our customers and the community at risk of electrical hazards,” Horgan says.
“We are also working closely with a private investigator who is independently investigating incidents of copper theft.”
Orion’s $512,000 repair bill—plus $125,000 pending—diverts funds from grid hardening, while MainPower’s $1 million opportunity cost strains its community-owned model.
Contractors report live wire hazards during trenching, triggering mandatory stand-downs and consent variations under WorkSafe rules.
SPONSORED
