Getting Internet for a New Build Home
Building a new home in New Zealand is a journey of a thousand decisions, from the pitch of the roof to the color of the kitchen tiles. However, one of the most critical decisions often gets left until the moving truck is in the driveway: How do I get my internet connected?
In a modern home, high-speed connectivity is as essential as electricity and water. Without a solid plan, you could be left waiting weeks for a technician or, worse, find yourself stuck with "dead zones" in a house that wasn't wired for the future. Understanding the process of moving house broadband early can save you a significant amount of stress.
This guide covers everything you need to know about getting fibre to your new build, working with your builder, and ensuring your home is ready for the fastest speeds available.
The Planning Phase: Fibre from Day One
The biggest mistake homeowners make is assuming that because there is "Fibre in the street," it will magically appear in the lounge. Connecting a new build requires a formal process called a New Property Development (NPD) request, which is a specific type of fibre installation for unoccupied sites.
🏗️ Fibre to the Boundary vs. Fibre to the Home
Most new subdivisions have fibre laid to the boundary of the lot during the civil works phase. This is usually marked by a small green dome or a "red pipe" (conduit) sticking out of the ground near your letterbox. However, that cable still needs to be brought from the boundary to the actual house.
📝 Requesting Your Connection
If you are building on a site that hasn't had a house before, you (or your builder) need to contact the Local Fibre Company (LFC), such as Chorus, Enable, or Tuatahi First Fibre, to register the new address. This is a vital step in the moving house checklist for new constructions.
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Action Step: Use the Broadband.co.nz address checker to see which network provider services your area.
⏳ Understanding Lead Times
Don't wait until the Gib is up. It is recommended to start the application process at least three to six months before you plan to move in. While the physical install only takes a day or two, the administrative process (getting the address into the national database and scheduling a site visit) can take weeks.
Working with Your Builder and Electrician
Your builder focuses on the structure; your electrician focuses on the power. You need to be the advocate for your data.
❓ The Critical Questions to Ask
To ensure a smooth install, ask your builder:
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"Is the lead-in conduit included?" This is the pipe that runs from the street boundary to your house. It should be a 20mm green telecommunications pipe.
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"Where will the ETP be located?" The External Termination Point (ETP) is the box on the outside of your house. It should be located away from wet areas and close to where the internal wiring starts.
⚡ Pre-Wiring: Future-Proofing with Cat6
While Wi-Fi is great, it struggles to penetrate modern building materials like double-glazing and steel framing.
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Star Wiring: Ensure your electrician uses a "star wiring" configuration, where all cables lead back to a central hub (Media Cupboard).
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Cat6 Cabling: Insist on Cat6 cabling rather than Cat5e. Cat6 supports speeds up to 10Gbps, making it ready for Hyperfibre plans.
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Jackpoints: Place Ethernet jackpoints behind every TV, in the home office, and in every bedroom.
Granny Flats, Minor Dwellings, and Units
If you are building a minor dwelling (granny flat) on an existing title, you have two main options:
🏠 Shared vs. Separate Connections
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Shared Connection: You can run an Ethernet cable from the main house to the flat. This is cheaper but means you share bandwidth and the bill with the main house.
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Separate Connection: For a truly independent flat (ideal for rentals), you will need a separate ONT (Optical Network Terminal). This requires its own legal address (e.g., 12A). You can find more about the best broadband plans to suit multiple dwellings on our guide.
🤝 Consent and Shared Driveways
If your new build is down a shared driveway or Right of Way (ROW), you may need to get written consent from your neighbors before the LFC can install new fibre cabling. Starting this process early is vital to avoid legal delays.
The Installation Timeline: From Dirt to Data
The process generally follows three stages:
📍 Step 1: The Scoping Visit
A technician meets you on-site to agree on the route from the boundary to the house. This is your chance to decide exactly where the cable enters the building.
🚜 Step 2: The External Build
They lay the fibre in the trench (usually while your driveway is being prepared) and install the ETP box on the outside wall.
🔌 Step 3: The Internal Connection
Once the house has power and the walls are finished, the technician installs the ONT inside. This is the box your modem plugs into.
Pro-Tip: If you have an open trench for power or water, make sure your fibre conduit goes in at the same time. This saves the cost of digging twice.
Temporary Internet Options During Construction
Need internet on-site before the fibre is live? If you have a site office or are moving in early while waiting for Chorus, consider these alternatives:
📶 Wireless Broadband (4G/5G)
This is the best short-term solution. You simply plug a specialized modem into a power outlet, and it connects via the mobile network. Explore our wireless broadband options for an immediate connection.
🛰️ Satellite Options (Starlink)
For rural new builds where fibre hasn't reached the boundary yet, satellite is a robust option. Check out our dedicated Starlink NZ guide or our broader rural internet guide for more details.
Choosing the Best Plan for Your New Home
Once the hardware is installed, you need a plan that matches your home’s capability. A new build with Cat6 wiring is wasted on a basic 50Mbps plan.
For the best experience, especially if you have a family streaming 4K video or working from home, look for Gigabit Fibre or Fibre Max plans.
💰 Compare and Save
Don't just sign up with the first provider you see. Use Broadband.co.nz to compare the latest deals, from "free months" to bundled power and broadband offers. Our comparison tool filters by your specific address, ensuring you only see plans that can actually be delivered to your new front door.
Summary Checklist:
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[ ] Check fibre availability 6 months before move-in.
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[ ] Request a New Property Development (NPD) connection via an LFC.
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[ ] Ensure 20mm green conduit is in the trench.
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[ ] Pre-wire with Cat6 in a star configuration.
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[ ] Compare plans on Broadband.co.nz 4 weeks before move-in.
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