Notes on the Establishment of the Geothermal Institute, University of Auckland

Abstract

Many years before the Institute was opened, various groups and individuals recognised the part which New Zealanders could play in promoting geothermal development worldwide. Major early contributions were hosting visits to Wairakei and publishing technical information - followed by invitations to consult in many countries. The concept of formal geothermal training at a professional level in New Zealand was mooted in the 1960's in places as far apart as the United Nations in New York and the Ministry of Works and Development in Wellington, but somehow the pragmatism which had been exhibited so successfully in developing New Zealand geothermal technology was not also directed towards education.