Proposed Upper Kaituna Hydroelectric Power Scheme

• Scheme Overview
• Proposed Upper Kaituna Hydroelectric Power Scheme Layout
• The Concession Application
• Environmental Impact on the Reserve
• Bay of Plenty Energy's Commitment to Improve the Reserve
• Summary of Benefits
• Stakeholder and Public Consultation Processes

Scheme Overview

Bay of Plenty Energy is an experienced, long-term supplier of energy to the greater Bay of Plenty region from a mixture of hydro, geothermal and natural gas co-generation. Bay of Plenty Energy is:

• 100% New Zealand owned.
• Committed to meeting the energy needs of the region and customers.
• An experienced owner and operator of hydro schemes including the award-winning Aniwhenua scheme on the Rangitaiki River that also provides excellent recreational opportunities.
• Committed to energy efficiency and sustainable energy options.

To maintain a stable electricity supply, Bay of Plenty Energy proposes a small scheme on the Kaituna River well downstream of the Okere Falls and below the Trout Pools (Pararaurekau). There will be no impact on the highly popular recreational areas of Okere Falls and the Trout Pools. It will generate 13.5 MW of electricity - enough to supply around 10,000 homes.

The support and long-term commercial partnerships between Bay of Plenty Energy and two iwi landowners - Taheke 8C and Ruahine Kuharua Incorporations - has made this scheme possible. Taheke 8C and Ruahine Kuharua Incorporations own and manage farmland on the eastern side of the Kaituna River which provides access and land for the Scheme's canal, power station and transmission line.

A low-profile weir has been designed to have the least effect on the natural character of the Kaituna River. The proposed Upper Kaituna Hydroelectric Power Scheme (the Scheme) would raise the water depth by approximately 7 metres behind the weir. The current view (left) of the proposed weir site along with a visualisation of the proposed weir structure (right) is pictured above.

Proposed Upper Kaituna Hydroelectric Power Scheme Layout

The Scheme involves building a weir across a gorge section of the Kaituna River approximately 1.2km downstream from the Trout Pools. A small lake (up to ~8 metres deep) forms behind the weir and control gates manage the water flow into a purposebuilt canal (situated on private land). Water travels 2km along the canal before flowing down a penstock and through a power station to generate electricity. All the water is then returned to the river's natural course and the full flow of the river is restored. Electricity generated is fed into the existing local network via a new transmission line. The resource consent process will determine an agreed residual flow in the riverbed and there is no impact on the river downstream of the Scheme.

The Concession Application

Bay of Plenty Energy applied to the Department of Conservation for a concession to use approximately 0.7 hectares of the 54 hectare Reserve to site the left footprint of the weir and to inundate a narrow strip of the Reserve. The concession was granted in December 2007

A concession is a right granted by the Department of Conservation to use land for a specific purpose. It is essentially a land access right.

The concession provides Bay of Plenty Energy with a land access right to use the Reserve for the purpose of hydroelectric generation (the concession activity) for a term of 60 years.

The Kaituna River is not part of the Reserve. The impacts of the proposed Scheme on the Kaituna River itself will be addressed as part of the resource consent application process with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council (Environment Bay of Plenty) and the Rotorua District Council.

Environmental Impact on the Reserve

The site of the Scheme has been carefully chosen with support and co-operation from the iwi landowners to minimise environmental impact.

The Scheme will only affect approximately 0.7 hectares of the 54 hectare Reserve. This area is needed for the left-hand footprint of the weir and for the inundation caused by the rise in water level behind the weir. (See diagram.)

Bay of Plenty Energy has carefully considered the effects of the Scheme on the Reserve in its application. The Department of Conservation identified five effects as significant. They include the temporary effects of construction, the location of the weir, changes to vegetation, changes to water levels, and the overall visual impact of the Scheme. Only 1.3% of the 54 hectare Reserve will be impacted and independent expert studies commissioned by Bay of Plenty Energy show this impact to be minimal. Expert evidence shows there are no wahi tapu sites in the area affected by the Scheme.

Bay of Plenty Energy will work with the Department of Conservation to minimise the effects of the Scheme and to make improvements to the Reserve as a whole.

Bay of Plenty Energy will also work with the Rotorua District Council to support and fund improved access to the Reserve. Improvements could include pest eradication, re-planting and protection of any at-risk native species, as well as improved public access and recreational opportunities.

Bay of Plenty Energy's Commitment to Improve the Reserve

In consultation with the Department of Conservation, Bay of Plenty Energy will:

• Carry out most of the construction work on privately owned land across the Kaituna River from the Reserve.
• Minimise effects of construction by working strictly to an agreed management plan.
• Minimise vegetation clearance and re-plant to retain the natural character of the Reserve (in places away from the steep sided gorge).
• Design and construct the weir with natural features to blend in with the character of the landscape.
• Provide easier pedestrian access (if desired by the Department of Conservation and/or Rotorua District Council) for walkers, anglers and recreational kayakers.
• Re-plant suitable natives along the river margins and on the weir structure to improve the habitat for native birds in the Reserve.
• Work to preserve king ferns in the Reserve and on private land across the river.
• Develop and complete a pest eradication management strategy to protect king ferns and enhance scenic values of the Reserve.
• Remove invasive plant species (e.g. willows).

Summary of Benefits

• Sustainable electricity supply to power 15% of Rotorua (about 10,000 homes or 13.5 MW).
• $40 million investment and long-term asset for our region.
• Supporting a long-term management plan for the whole Kaituna River (in conjunction with Environment Bay of Plenty and other parties).
• Consistent with Rotorua Bright Economy's (Economic Development Agency) strategy to develop renewable energy resources, including small hydro schemes and to promote economic development including recreational areas.
• Reduces the need for new transmission lines from Transpower's National Grid into the Bay of Plenty.
• Helps New Zealand to reduce carbon dioxide emissions as required under the Kyoto Protocol.
• Direct financial benefits to the iwi partners.
• New opportunities for iwi partners to develop recreational and business ventures.
• Improve the Reserve environment by enhancement of native species, improved pest control and removal of invasive plant species.
• Additional recreational opportunities for a wider section of the community (new fishing access, walking tracks, viewing platforms and more sedate water suitable for kayakers of all levels of experience).
• Increased appreciation of the Reserve from new viewpoints and potential recreational and passive use of the Reserve.
• Improved access increasing the area's recreational opportunities (i.e. a walking track from the Trout Pool car park down the left riverbank with interpretative information).

Stakeholder and Public Consultation Processes

For several years Bay of Plenty Energy has been talking about the project with individuals and groups representing tangata whenua, river users, environmental and recreational groups, as well as relevant statutory authorities. The feedback received has helped in the preliminary design of the Scheme and in assessing the environmental and regional impacts.

Following the granting of the concession in December 2007, Bay of Plenty Energy can now apply for resource consent from the regional council, Environment Bay of Plenty. This will involve full consultation with all interested parties.

For further information contact John Smyth, Generation Manager on (07) 306 2700.

For information on other new Bay of Plenty Energy and Todd Energy generation projects click here.