| Title | THE CHANGING FACE OF GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLANS IN NEW ZEALAND |
|---|---|
| Authors | P. Doorman, J. McLeod |
| Year | 2018 |
| Conference | New Zealand Geothermal Workshop |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | System Management Plans (SMPs) are today a well-recognised and accepted tool in geothermal management. The concept of SMPs is embedded in the regional policy statements of the Bay of Plenty and Waikato Regional Councils where policy directs that systems subject to more than a certain level of use and/or a Development classification must prepare a system management plan. The policy intent is to ensure whole system management which is integrated and responds to changes caused by its use. The concept of management plans is not new, with field management plans integral to the commencement of geothermal development in New Zealand. A drive towards a ‘catchment management’ type has resulted in SMPs being developed as part of consent processes. Regional policy documents now prescribe the minimum content of SMPs, including such matters as system characteristics, adaptive management, production and discharge strategies, and management of geothermal surface features. However, the form and content is flexible. In the Waikato SMPs have been required as part of resource consent applications for Development Systems, such as Rotokawa, and to inform adaptive management on largely single user fields. In the Bay of Plenty at Kawerau the SMP has taken a different form, as a non-statutory document akin to a multi user protocol. This includes agreed operational protocols between consent holders and between consent holders and Bay of Plenty Regional Council to achieve sustainable and integrated development of the Kawerau Geothermal System. In Rotorua the SMP currently under development will include traditional components, but is likely to evolve as a multi-party document with a strong influence from Māori and the community. Its scope will go beyond traditional components of system characteristics modelling and allocation and extends into wider matters of principle such as community value setting, matauranga Māori and Māori aspirations. It is also likely to touch on matters of Governance. While performing an integrated and sustainable management function, SMPs therefore must be flexible in form, to provide for specific unique needs of each geothermal system and their communities of interest. |