| Abstract |
Recently the Government reinforced the role of Regional Water Boards for allocating geothermal resources and preparing management plans for geothermal areas. The majority of geothermal fields of the Taupo Volcanic Zone (North Island, New Zealand) are located within the area administered by the Waikato Catchment Board (WCB). This paper describes the strategy and the policies developed by the WCB for geothermal management planning. There is need for close interaction and collaboration between approving agencies such as the WCB, geothermal developers, local authorities, scientists, engineers and the public (including the Tangata Whenua) for the efficient preparation of Water and Soil Management Plans and their successful implementation. |