Waikato Regional Council Geothermal Policy ñ on the Home Straight

Abstract

The review of geothermal policies and rules in the Waikato Region started in 2003 and is nearly completed. This paper summarises changes to the June 2004 Decisions Versions of the Waikato Regional Policy Statement (WRPS) and Regional Plan (WRP) Geothermal sections presented at WGC2005 (Dickie and Luketina 2005) as a consequence of appeals made through the RMA First Schedule process. Most of these changes relate to the management of those geothermal systems classified for large-scale development, with input from electricity companies, district councils, and government departments. Many appeal points were settled by negotiation between parties during the two-years following the release of Council decisions. At the close of the final Environment Court hearing in August 2006 the Court approved a replacement Geothermal Chapter to the WRPS. There remained only four matters relating to the WRP for the Court to decide upon. The judgement is expected in late 2006, and before the Court decides on the Wairakei consent appeals. It will put the final seal on a comprehensive and integrated system of sustainable management of geothermal resources for the Waikato Region that takes into account the needs of current and future generations for accessible energy, and the cultural, scientific, and amenity values of geothermal resources.