Societial Acceptance of Ground-Source Heat Innovations for Rural Mâori Communities with the Example of Ngati Rangiwewehi

Abstract

Ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) are an established technology, capable of delivering efficient heating and cooling utilising the immense renewable energy stored in the ground, ground water or surface water. They are being recognised as an alternative to fossil fuel systems and can offer significant reductions in the overall CO2 emissions. GNS Science Maori Strategy seeks to identify the opportunities of GSHP technologies as a consideration for housing or marae development. This technology has much to offer communities, particularly in rural areas because resource use is relatively benign. Also, this technology has much to offer Maori and the important rural marae that fulfil a crucial role in New Zealand communities. In this paper, we describe a comprehensive framework for ground-source heat pump technologies in rural Maori communities aiming at societal acceptance of resource use and the technology associated with ground-source heat pumps. For these communities, resource utilisation must be consistent with long-term Maori custodial responsibilities. The framework is developed and tested with Ngati Rangiwewehi and the Awahou Marae on the shores of Lake Rotorua