New Zealand Geothermal Resource Management - A Regulatory Perspective

Abstract

This paper provides an outline of the environmental regulatory framework in New Zealand with particular reference to geothermal systems in the Waikato Region. The Resource Management Act 1991 devolved regulatory power for resource management to the 12 Regional Councils, which are required to sustainably manage the use, development, and protection of natural and physical resources. The Councils are required to achieve this in a way which enables people and communities to provide for their well being, while providing for the needs of future generations. Most of the geothermal resources of New Zealand fall within the Waikato Region. Waikato Regional Council has evolved a set of objectives, policies, and rules to preserve outstanding and unique natural geothermal features, while allowing controlled development of some fields. Drilling and other activities are prohibited on some fields set aside for preservation, small-scale use is permitted on others, and major development is allowed on others. Sustainable development is promoted through a 'single tapper' policy, where if a developer has legal access to most of the land overlying the resource, they may be given exclusive rights to develop and husband the resource with a long-term view. Gone are the days of government 'think big' projects when the goal of national power generation was pursued with little or no regard to the value of geothermal characteristics for native traditional use, biodiversity, tourism, environmental amenity values, and the needs of future generations.