| Title | The Value of Geothermal Uses to the Economy of the Waikato Region |
|---|---|
| Authors | Katherine Luketina, and Sandra Barns |
| Year | 2011 |
| Conference | New Zealand Geothermal Workshop |
| Keywords | Waikato Region, Geothermal, Economics, Direct Uses, Tourism, Electricity Production, Bathing |
| Abstract | In 2002 Waikato Regional Council surveyed the numbers of visitors to geothermal attractions in the Waikato Region. A repeat survey was recently undertaken, involving all 50 geothermal tourism sites, divided into 6 categories of attraction, in the Waikato Region. The overall number of visits by domestic and overseas tourists to has increased from 2 million in 2002 to 2.6 million in 2010. In addition the survey assessed the direct use of geothermal energy in the region, and employment numbers. Multiplier analysis was used on figures from this survey and other sources such as Tourism NZ and Statistics NZ to estimate the value of electricity production, geothermal tourism and direct uses to the regional economy. More than 1200 people are estimated to be employed in geothermal tourism and direct uses in the Waikato Region, while 189 are employed in geothermal electricity production. Preliminary results suggest that geothermal electricity production is worth $134 million to the regional economy, while geothermal tourism is worth somewhere between $84 million and $162 million. Indirect and induced employment numbers and other economic values are also calculated. |