Maori Community Signs Geothermal Deal in Far North NZ (News Release)
Far North lines company and electricity generator Top Energy has signed a co-operation and development agreement with the Ngawha Marae Trustee Komiti which both parties hope will lead to cultural and commercial development at and around the geothermal field near Kaikohe.
Top Energy is applying for consent to expand its geothermal power generation plant at Ngawha with two 25 MW units. The co-operation and development agreement addresses concerns the Komiti had about the project but also sets the foundations for a long-term relationship between the Parties.
Terms of the agreement are confidential but it recognizes that the hapu of Ngati Rangi has kaitiaki responsibilities in the Ngawha area and contains provision for a Komiti representative to attend meetings of the Peer Review Panel which advises the Northland Regional Council on compliance with resource consent conditions.
It also ensures that Top Energy will make information available to the Komiti relating to details of the power station’s geothermal resource use.
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