Key points
Environment Waikato’s monitoring of geysers and sinter springs at selected sites in the Waikato Region since 1995 tells us the current status of activity. Historical records (about 1930 up to 1995) provide a baseline of previous activity at these sites.
- Historical records (pre-1995) indicate that over half of our geysers and sinter depositing springs have ceased activity or have been destroyed.
- But since 1961 the number of sinter depositing springs and active geysers in the Waikato Region has been stable.
- A large number of geysers and sinter springs were destroyed when the Wairakei power station was commissioned (1958) and an even greater number were flooded when Lake Ohakuri was created as part of the Waikato River Hydro Scheme (1961).
Source: Environment Waikato
What agencies are doing
- Environment Waikato regularly monitors the extent and condition of the geothermal systems (and their features) in our Region for changes that indicate that they are under threat or are being affected by human activities.
- Environment Waikato regularly monitors all major users of our geothermal resources including geothermal power stations such as Wairakei and Ohaaki.
- We provide clear rules in the Proposed Waikato Regional Plan for the use of geothermal systems.
- We have classified our geothermal systems by their natural values. Classifying our geothermal systems helps us manage each system for development or protection.
- We encourage the reuse of discarded geothermal energy.
- We are promoting the Single Tapper concept.
What you can do to help
- Be aware of any geothermal features in your local area. Before you undertake any drainage work, drilling, or large-scale earthworks consult with the Waikato Regional Council. Remember that activities such as drilling and land drainage can impact geothermal features many hundreds of metres (even kilometres) away.
- Avoid walking on sinter terraces when you visit geothermal areas and always stick to the defined pathways. Don't put anything in them or take any sinter away.
- Don't use geothermal features as rubbish dumps.
- If you have geothermal features on or your property, fence them from off stock and pests, maintain native planting, and don't drain to or from them. Don't allow contamination from erosion, agricultural chemicals, stock effluent and runoff.
More information
More detail on this indicator, including how and where this information is collected, is available here.
What we want to achieve
The community outcomes we are seeking to achieve by monitoring geysers and sinter springs are:
- The iconic landscapes and natural features of our environment define and sustain us. We respect and celebrate them as taonga.
- Our natural environment is protected and respected. Its ecological balance is restored, its air, soil and water quality is improved and its native biodiversity is enhanced.
- The traditional role of iwi and hapu as kaitiaki is acknowledged, respected and enabled.
- Our region’s waterways have consistently high water quality.