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Story: Energy supply and use

Water to burn

Video file

As electricity shortages were resolved by newly built power stations, New Zealanders became increasingly confident in their use of power. ‘Water to burn’, a government promotional film made in 1965, highlights the range of goods powered by electricity and encourages ‘modern living’ and electricity usage.

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Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

Reference: Pictorial Parade 169. National Film Unit, 1965

Permission of Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga must be obtained before any re-use of this material.

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How to cite this page

Megan Cook, Energy supply and use – Energy sources, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/video/21429/water-to-burn (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Megan Cook, published 12 April 2010.