Kaituna

Proposed Upper Kaituna Hydroelectric Power Scheme

To maintain a stable electricity supply, Bay of Plenty Energy proposes a small scheme on the Kaituna River well downstream of the Okere Falls and below the Trout Pools (Pararaurekau). There will be no impact on the popular recreational areas of Okere Falls and the Trout Pools. The proposed scheme will generate 13.5 MW of electricity - enough to supply around 10,000 homes.

The support and long-term commercial partnerships between Bay of Plenty Energy and two iwi landowners - Taheke 8C and Ruahine Kuharua Incorporation - has made this scheme possible. Taheke 8C and Ruahine Kuharua Incorporation own and manage farmland on the eastern side of the Kaituna River which provides access and land for the Scheme's canal, power station and transmission line.

A low-profile weir has been designed to have the least effect on the natural character of the Kaituna River. The proposed Upper Kaituna Hydroelectric Power Scheme (the Scheme) would raise the water depth by approximately 8 metres behind the weir. The current view (left) of the proposed weir site along with a visualisation of the proposed weir structure (right) is pictured above.

Proposed Upper Kaituna Hydroelectric Power Scheme Layout

The Scheme involves building a weir across a gorge section of the Kaituna River approximately 1.2km downstream from the Trout Pools. A small lake (up to ~8 metres deep) forms behind the weir and control gates manage the water flow into a purpose built canal (situated on private land). Water travels 2km along the canal before flowing down a penstock and through a power station to generate electricity. All the water is then returned to the river's natural course and the full flow of the river is restored. Electricity generated is fed into the existing local network via a new transmission line. The resource consent process will determine an agreed residual flow in the riverbed and there is no impact on the river downstream of the Scheme.