| Title | The interface of Maori geothermal development in Rotorua with national and regional policy: Case studies for low enthalpy initiatives |
|---|---|
| Authors | B. Martin, A. Olsen, I. Kirimaoa, H. Tarawhiti, L. Kereopa |
| Year | 2025 |
| Conference | New Zealand Geothermal Workshop |
| Keywords | geothermal system, iwi, geothermal system management plan, regulatory framework, sustainable system utilization, low enthalpy |
| Abstract | Several Te Arawa communities, under the umbrella of Tiaki Te Taiao, are collaborating to prepare resource management plans with special focus on geothermal development. This presentation is a case study of those Maori community aspirations for geothermal heat and energy, while holding to ancestral knowledge of geothermal taonga. In particular the Tiaki Te Taiao ropu are focused on the opportunities of low enthalpy heat systems. Low enthalpy heat offers amazing opportunities of renewable energy without the major infrastructure investments of super-critical heat – a vital pathway for climate resilience through local heat and energy supply. The communities in this case study include Ngati Rangiteaorere, Ngati Wāhiao, Ngati Rangitihi, Horohoro / Waipupumahana, Ngati Whakaue, and Tarewa. Each hapu group has distinct and interconnected knowledge, varied issues for development, and different levels of scientific i knowledge. An issue for Maori land owners, informed by mātauranga and science, is that the proposition; while geothermal surface features may be seen as distinct, for Maori geothermal fields are below-surface inter-connected taonga. Wells drilled by one set of owners can impact the surface features and development interests of adjoining owners, both physically and metaphysically. There are a number of matters of policy to consider: the matter of below-surface interconnected geothermal fields and private property rights; access to investment funds for Maori geothermal development; policy focused on super-critical energy rather than low enthalpy systems; regional council designations of geothermal sites – e.g., Ngati Rangitihi’s Waimangu field is designated as protected, hence restricting renewable energy development opportunities. There are multiple matters to be grappled with for plans: documentation of mātauranga Maori and the responsibilities as kaitiaki of the geothermal system, access to relevant expertise and scientific information, engaging with relevant communities and, working with the Regional Council. |