Ministerial foreword
Unlocking our abundant geothermal resources presents game-changing opportunities for economic growth and energy security
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New Zealand was at the forefront of innovation in harnessing geothermal energy for electricity generation when our first geothermal plant – only the second in the world – Wairakei, opened in 1958.
Our history of utilising geothermal resources, however, significantly precedes that. Central North Island Māori used geothermal waters for heating, cooking and therapeutic purposes, and European settlers discovered the healing benefits of thermal springs with spa baths established in the Rotorua area from about 1870.
Today, geothermal is an integral part of New Zealand’s energy landscape in and beyond electricity generation, with direct geothermal energy used in industrial, commercial, agricultural and residential applications.
We know we have a comparable geological advantage and internationally renowned geothermal expertise – yet we have barely scratched the surface when it comes to how we could sustainably utilise this resource.
To unlock further potential for New Zealand and New Zealanders, we need to take a holistic view of where we could go next.
The opportunities are wide reaching, from traditional and tourism uses to innovative opportunities including minerals in geothermal brine and world-leading research into geothermal microorganisms. With advancing science, we can lead the world again on the potential of supercritical geothermal, which may offer significantly more energy than conventional geothermal fluids.
I want to see our regions, primary sectors and Māori economies utilise this unique advantage as an opportunity to diversify, transition to renewable, low-carbon energy, and support industry to thrive.
This strategy represents the Government’s commitment to supporting that work while addressing our energy challenges, having sensible regulatory settings that are both sustainable and enabling, and continuing to build on our world-leading expertise.
I acknowledge the ongoing National Freshwater and Geothermal Resources inquiry (Wai 2358) and reiterate that this strategy does not pre-empt any Waitangi Tribunal findings. I am excited to start this conversation about how we work together to remove barriers, support collaboration and innovation, and ensure this unique sector remains at the global forefront.
Hon Shane Jones
Minister for Resources