INTRODUCTION / KUPU WHAKATAKI

Regional Council has developed a draft system management plan (SMP) that outlines how we think the Tauranga Geothermal System should be managed. We are now seeking feedback to ensure that the draft SMP reflects the views shared by the community.

Why are we developing a system management plan (SMP) for Tauranga?

The Tauranga Geothermal System is a low temperature geothermal system and is the warm parts of the interconnected groundwater system. Although it is less well-known than the hot geothermal systems of the Bay of Plenty Region, it is used and valued in many ways.

A system management plan is being developed to ensure this system is managed in an integrated and sustainable way, while balancing the values of the community.

System management plans are also required by the Regional Policy Statement for high use systems such as Tauranga.

What is the scope and purpose of the SMP?

The Tauranga Geothermal System Management Plan will be a guiding framework for our conduct regarding the use of geothermal heat and/or water. Its scope includes:

  • Characteristics, values, and community benefits
  • Tangata whenua values and direction
  • The vision for the system
  • The integration of geothermal and freshwater management
  • Guiding principles for management
  • Our key strategies for managing the system e.g. production and discharge strategy

Tauranga Geothermal System

The Tauranga Geothermal System is a large low-temperature geothermal system (generally between 30°C and 70°C) that shares similar aquifers as the cold groundwater resource. It extends over 60 km from Katikati-Waihi Beach in the north-west to Te Puke-Maketu in the east, with the dominant heat source appearing to lie near Tauranga city. Learn more about this system here.

For a detailed online map, visit here to open the draft planning map (RNRP Geothermal Spatial Overlay) to support Draft Plan Change 11 – Geothermal.

Map outlining Tauranga Geothermal System area

Other sites of interest

Follow these links to view more information about Geothermal in the region, or to have your say on the Draft Plan Change 11 (Geothermal Chapter of the RNRP)

HAVE YOUR SAY / TUKUA TŌ KŌRERO

We are now gathering feedback from those who have an interest in the Tauranga Geothermal System.

We'd like your thoughts on how the system should be managed, including our approach and the content and scope of this draft System Management Plan.

You can provide feedback here until 31 January 2025.

This feedback will then be considered by Councillors before being adopted.

Tukua tō korero - Have your say open in new window