Story: Rivers

Building a hydro dam

The Ātiamuri hydroelectric dam was built in the 1950s on the Waikato River. It was one of a chain of eight dams on the river, meeting the growing need for electricity after the Second World War. While such projects were seen as beneficial, they permanently affected water levels and flows, reducing the scenic and recreational attractions of some major rivers.

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Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: Pictorial Parade 66. National Film Unit, 1957

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How to cite this page:

David Young, 'Rivers - The impact of European settlement', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/14700/building-a-hydro-dam (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by David Young, published 24 Sep 2007