| Title | Improving Relationships with Indigenous People |
|---|---|
| Authors | Michael Stevens, Aroha Campbell, Mark Reihana |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | There are examples where geothermal resource use and development has occurred on indigenous ancestral lands. These developments can have potential negative impacts and/or benefits for Indigenous Peoples. The Ohaaki geothermal power station development in the North Island of New Zealand occurred within Ngati Tahu ancestral lands. In the 1960s, a lease over Ngāti Tahu Tribal land and Tahorakuri Papakainga Māori Reservation Trust (338 Trust) was established in favour of the New Zealand Government to facilitate geothermal development. The Ohaaki Power Plant was commissioned in 1988. Within 5-10 years of production, rates of subsidence at Ohaki reached up to 500 mm/year in response to the geothermal fluid extraction. In 1996 the Goverment sold ~25% of its generation assets to Contact Energy (CE). Ngati Tribal Lands Trust signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CE. This also marked the start of CE’s relationship with 338 Trust who own the Ohaki Pa (maori village). A mitigation agreement was signed in 2013 acknowledging the adverse effects on 338 not being able to exercise Kaitiakitanga (guardianship) over their taonga (cultural treasures) e.g., acknowledge the subsidence to date and assess the social/cultural impacts., surface features, cultural pools etc and together agreed a way forward. CE and 338 have developed a strong relationship over 28 years and are working closely together to address the impact of subsidence and supporting 338 Trust with their aspirations. This paper discusses the journey to date (the ups and the downs) alongside key learnings of how to improve better relationships with Indigenous Peoples. |