Story: Water resources

Across catchments

Across catchments

Taking water from one catchment and feeding it into another is commonplace overseas, but relatively rare in New Zealand. The Tongariro power scheme is one example. It diverts the headwaters of several rivers through tunnels and canals, so they flow through the Tokaanu power station and into Lake Taupō. From there, the water flows though a series of dams along the Waikato River. Protests against the scheme by the Ngāti Tūwharetoa tribe and fishers in the 1960s were largely ignored by successive governments, which were keen to increase electricity generation.

Using this item

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Mike Scarsbrook and Charles Pearson, 'Water resources - The hydrological cycle', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/18157/across-catchments (accessed 26 April 2024)

Story by Mike Scarsbrook and Charles Pearson, published 24 Nov 2008