New Zealand: Maori Council and Top Energy Cooperate on Developing Geothermal Project

Iwi and council back geothermal deal (Radio New Zealand)

A Northland marae (meeting grounds), the Far North mayor and the chairman of Northland Regional Council's Māori Advisory Committee are all behind a power company's plans to develop the Ngāwhā geothermal field.

Top Energy is applying for consent to expand its geothermal power plant at Ngāwhā and has signed an agreement with the Ngāwhā Marae committee which both parties hope will lead to long-term benefits in the Far North.

Ngāwhā Marae near Kaikohe recently celebrated an agreement between Top Energy and the marae's komiti to work together on land collectively owned by Ngāti Rangi hapū members.

The advisor to the Ngāwhā Marae komiti, Chris Webster, said the decision on whether Top Energy would be given consent to carry out its joint project with Ngāwhā Marae was expected to be made before the end of September.

She said the 25 MW geothermal power station it plans to build should be in operation in about five to six years time.

Read More........