The New Zealand government is providing almost NZ$6mn in funding for two Māori-led geothermal exploration projects in Taranaki and South Waikato, targeting resources beyond the country’s established geothermal development areas.
Regional Development and Resources Minister Shane Jones announced a NZ$3mn Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) grant for the Taranaki Geoheat Demonstrator project, alongside NZ$2.95mn for exploration of the South Mangakino geothermal resource in Waikato.
Led by Parininihi ki Waitōtara Incorporation, the Taranaki project will drill two shallow test wells in the Matemateāonga Formation to investigate low-temperature geothermal resources and their potential for direct-use heat applications.
In South Mangakino, Wairarapa Moana ki Pouākani Incorporation will lead geoscience investigations and a test well to assess a geothermal anomaly beneath Māori freehold land.
Any subsequent development will depend on exploration findings, further investment and consenting.
The projects aim to expand understanding of New Zealand’s geothermal potential beyond its traditionally established development areas, particularly the Taupō Volcanic Zone and Northland.
The government has also allocated a further NZ$3mn from the RIF to progress a national geothermal database, bringing together fragmented existing data to help derisk exploration and support future development.
According to Jones, the initiatives are intended to support regional economic growth, energy resilience and new investment opportunities through better understanding and utilisation of the country’s geothermal resources.
“Together, these initiatives are about more than finding new geothermal resources. They are about helping our regions turn what lies beneath our feet into investment, jobs and long-term economic opportunity,” said Jones.