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List of power stations in New Zealand facts for kids

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NZ Electricity Generation Capacity
Graph of New Zealand electricity generation capacity by year

This article lists power stations in New Zealand. These are places where electricity is made. New Zealand uses many different ways to create power. This list includes most power stations that make more than 0.5 megawatts of electricity.

Power plants in New Zealand have different jobs. Some are baseload generators, meaning they run almost all the time. This includes plants that use geothermal energy or run-of-the-river hydro power. They have to use the energy as it comes. Other plants are intermediate generators, which means they can change how much power they make to match demand. Peaking power plants only turn on for short times when a lot of electricity is needed. New Zealand does not use nuclear power.

How New Zealand Makes Electricity

Bioenergy Power Stations

Bioenergy power stations make electricity from organic materials. This can be from things like landfill gas (biogas) or wood waste.

Name Location Type Capacity (MW) Started Operator
Greenmount Landfill Auckland Biogas 5.5 1992 Envirowaste / Mighty River Power
Kinleith South Waikato Wood cogeneration 40 1997 Oji Fibre Solutions
Omarunui Hastings Biogas 1 2014 LMS Energy / Hastings District Council
Pan Pac Hastings Wood cogeneration 12.8 2005 Pan Pac Forest Products
Rosedale Auckland Biogas 2.8 1992 Mercury Energy
Silverstream Landfill Lower Hutt Biogas 2.7 1994 LMS Energy
Southern Landfill Wellington Biogas 1.1 2022 LMS Energy
Tirohia Hauraki Biogas 2.0 2008 Mercury Energy
Redvale Landfill and Energy Park Auckland Biogas 12 1993 Waste Management
Waipa Mill (Red Stag Timber) Rotorua Wood cogeneration 10 2018 Red Stag Timber
Kate Valley Landfill Hurunui Biogas 4.3 2014 Transwaste

Geothermal Power Stations

Geothermal power uses heat from deep inside the Earth to make electricity. New Zealand has many geothermal power stations, especially in the North Island.

Name Location Type Capacity (MW) Started Operator
Te Ahi O Maui Kawerau Binary 24 2018 Eastland Generation
Geothermal Development Limited Kawerau Binary 8 2008 Eastland Generation
Kawerau TG1 & TG2 Kawerau Binary 6 1989, 1993 Nova Energy
Kawerau TOPP1 Kawerau Binary 26 2012 Eastland Generation
Kawerau Kawerau Flash steam 105 2008 Mercury Energy
Mokai Taupō Binary 112 2000 Mercury Energy
Nga Awa Purua Taupō Flash steam 140 2010 Mercury Energy
Ngatamariki Taupō Binary 82 2013 Mercury Energy
Ngāwhā Far North Binary 57 August 2020 Top Energy
Ohaaki Taupō Flash steam 70 1989 Contact Energy
Poihipi Taupō Flash steam 50 1997 Contact Energy
Rotokawa Taupō Binary 33 1997 Mercury Energy
Tauhara Taupō Flash steam 174 2024 Contact Energy
Te Huka Taupō Binary 79 2010 (Unit 3) 2024 Contact Energy
Te Mihi Taupō Flash steam 166 2014 Contact Energy
Wairakei A & B Taupō Flash steam & binary 132 1958 (Binary added 2005) Contact Energy

Hydroelectric Power Stations

Hydroelectric power stations use the force of moving water to generate electricity. New Zealand has many of these, especially on its rivers.

Name Location River/Scheme Capacity (MW) Started Operator
Amethyst Westland 7.6 2013 Westpower
Aniwhenua Whakatane 25 1980 Southern Generation Partnership
Arapuni South Waikato Waikato River 196.7 1929, 1946 Mercury Energy
Aratiatia Taupō Waikato River 78 1964 Mercury Energy
Argyle Marlborough Branch River 3.8 1983 Manawa Energy
Arnold Grey 3.0 1932 Manawa Energy
Atiamuri South Waikato / Taupō Waikato River 84 1962 Mercury Energy
Aviemore Waitaki Lower Waitaki 220 1968 Meridian Energy
Benmore Waitaki Lower Waitaki 540 1965 Meridian Energy
Cleardale Ashburton 0.9 2010 MainPower
Clyde Central Otago Clutha River 432 1992 Contact Energy
Cobb Tasman 34.3 1956 Manawa Energy
Coleridge Selwyn 45 1914 Manawa Energy
Deep Stream Clutha Waipori 5 2008 Manawa Energy
Dillmans Westland Kumara 3.5 1928 Manawa Energy
Duffers Westland Kumara 0.5 1928 Manawa Energy
Ellis Central Otago Teviot Scheme 7.8 1981 Pioneer Energy
Falls Central Otago Manuherikia River 1.3 2003 Pioneer Energy
Flaxy Whakatane Wheao and Flaxy 2.1 1982 Manawa Energy
Fraser (Lower) Central Otago Fraser Power Scheme 2.8 1956 Southern Generation Partnership
Fraser (Upper) Central Otago Fraser Power Scheme 8 2019 Southern Generation Partnership
George Central Otago Teviot Scheme 1 1924 (refurbished 2002) Pioneer Energy
Highbank Ashburton Rangitata Diversion Race 25.2 1945 Manawa Energy
Hinemaiaia A Taupō Hinemaiaia 2.0 1952 Manawa Energy
Hinemaiaia B Taupō Hinemaiaia 1.3 1966 Manawa Energy
Hinemaiaia C Taupō Hinemaiaia 2.8 1982 Manawa Energy
Horseshoe Bend Central Otago Teviot Scheme 4.3 1999 Pioneer Energy
Kaimai 5 Western Bay of Plenty Kaimai 0.35 1994 Manawa Energy
Kaitawa Wairoa Waikaremoana 36 1948 Genesis Energy
Kaniere Forks Westland Lake Kaniere 0.43 1911 Manawa Energy
Karapiro Waipa Waikato River 90 1948 Mercury Energy
Kourarau Carterton 1.0 1923, 1925 Genesis Energy
Kowhai Central Otago Teviot Scheme 1.9 2010 Pioneer Energy
Kuratau Taupō 6 1962 King Country Energy
Kumara Westland Kumara 6.5 1928 Manawa Energy
Lloyd Mandeno Western Bay of Plenty Kaimai 15.6 1972 Manawa Energy
Lower Mangapapa Western Bay of Plenty Kaimai 6.0 1979 Manawa Energy
Manapouri Southland 850 1971 Meridian Energy
Mangahao Horowhenua 42 1924 Todd Energy
Mangorei New Plymouth 4.5 1906, 1931 Manawa Energy
Maraetai I South Waikato / Taupō Waikato River 252 1954 Mercury Energy
Maraetai II South Waikato / Taupō Waikato River 108 1971 Mercury Energy
Maraetai (mini) South Waikato / Taupō 0.1 Mercury
Matahina Whakatane 80 1967 Manawa Energy
Matiri Buller 5 2020 Southern Generation Partnership
McKays Creek Westland Lake Kaniere 1.1 1931 Manawa Energy
Michelle Central Otago Teviot Scheme 1.6 1982 Pioneer Energy
Monowai Southland 6.6 1926 Pioneer Energy
Montalto Ashburton Rangitata Diversion 1.8 1982 Manawa Energy
Motukawa New Plymouth 4.5 1927-1938 Manawa Energy
Ohakuri South Waikato / Taupō Waikato River 112 1962 Mercury Energy
Ōhau A Mackenzie Upper Waitaki 264 1980 Meridian Energy
Ōhau B Waitaki Upper Waitaki 212 1984 Meridian Energy
Ōhau C Waitaki Upper Waitaki 212 1985 Meridian Energy
Omanawa Falls Bay of Plenty 0.3 1915, extended 1921 Omanawa Falls Hydro Limited
Onekaka Tasman 0.94 2003 Onekaka Energy
Opuha Mackenzie 7.5 1999 Opuha Water / Manawa Energy
Oxburn/Glenorchy Queenstown Lakes 0.4 1968 Pioneer Energy
Paerau Central Otago Strath Taieri 10 1984 Manawa Energy
Patea South Taranaki 32 1984 Manawa Energy
Patearoa Central Otago Strath Taieri 2.3 1984 Manawa Energy
Piriaka Ruapehu 1.3 1924 King Country Energy
Piripaua Wairoa Waikaremoana 42 1943 Genesis Energy
Pupu Tasman 0.3 1929 Pupu Hydro Society
Rangipo Taupō Tongariro 120 1983 Genesis Energy
Rimu Hastings Esk 2.4 2013 Manawa Energy
Roaring Meg lower Central Otago / Queentown Lakes Roaring Meg 3.0 1936 Pioneer Energy
Roaring Meg upper Central Otago / Queentown Lakes Roaring Meg 1.3 1936 Pioneer Energy
Roxburgh Central Otago Clutha River 320 1956 Contact
Ruahihi Western Bay of Plenty Kaimai 20 1981 Manawa Energy
Tekapo A Mackenzie Upper Waitaki 25 1951 Genesis Energy
Tekapo B Mackenzie Upper Waitaki 160 1977 Genesis Energy
Tokaanu Taupō Tongariro 240 1973 Genesis Energy
Toronui Hastings Esk 1.4 2013 Manawa Energy
Tuai Wairoa Waikaremoana 60 1929 Genesis Energy
Wahapo/Ōkārito Forks Westland 3.1 1960 Manawa Energy
Waihi Hydro Waihi 5.0 1986 Eastland Generation
Waihopai Marlborough 2.5 1927 Manawa Energy
Waipapa South Waikato Waikato River 51 1961 Mercury Energy
Waipori 1A Clutha Waipori 10 Manawa Energy
Waipori 2A Clutha Waipori 58 Manawa Energy
Waipori 3 Clutha Waipori 7.6 Manawa Energy
Waipori 4 Clutha Waipori 8 Manawa Energy
Wairere Waikato 4.6 1925 King Country Energy
Wairua Whangarei 5.0 1916 Northpower
Waitaki Waitaki Lower Waitaki 90 1935 Meridian Energy
Whakamaru South Waikato / Taupō Waikato River 124 1956 Mercury Energy
Brooklyn (hydro) near Motueka, Tasman 0.2 1934 Brooklyn Electricity Ltd
Drysdale near Marton, Manawatu-Wanganui 0.1 Drysdale Hydro Company
Feredays Island Canterbury 0.3 2005 Kea Energy
Fox West Coast 0.2 Manawa Energy
Mangapehi Waikato 1.6 2008 Clearwater Hydro
Mangatangi Franklin, Auckland 0.6 Watercare Services
Mangatawhiri Franklin, Auckland 0.2 Counties Power
Marokopa Waitomo area, Waikato 2.0 Clearwater Hydro
Mataura near Gore, Southland 0.9 Niblick Trust
Matawai Gisborne 2.0 2009 Clearwater Hydro
Mokauiti Central North Island 1.9 1925, 1938, 1963 King Country Energy
Ngahere West Coast 0.1 Birchfield Minerals
Normanby Normanby, Taranaki 1.0 1903, 2015 Greenfern Industries
Onekaka Tasman District 1.0 Onekaka Energy
Opunake Opunake, Taranaki 0.3 Manawa Energy
Raetihi Raetihi, Manawatu-Wanganui 0.3 Manawa Energy
Rochfort Westport, West Coast 4.2 2013 Kawatiri Energy
Talla Burn Central Otago 2.6 2010 Talla Burn Generation
Teviot Bridge Roxburgh, Otago Teviot Scheme 1.1 1972 Pioneer Energy
Turitea (hydro) near Palmerston North 0.1 Palmerston North City Council
Waihi Station near Wairoa, Hawke's Bay 4.7 1913 Manawa Energy
Wheao Whakatane Wheao and Flaxy 24 1982 Manawa Energy

Hydroelectric Power Stations That Are No Longer Used

Some hydroelectric power stations have been stopped or taken apart over time.

Name Location Capacity (MW) Started Stopped Last Operator Notes
Bullendale Queenstown 0.04 1886 1907 Phoenix Mine This was the first industrial power plant in New Zealand.
Okere Falls north-east of Rotorua 0.2 1901 1936 NZ Government This was the first power station owned by the government.
One Mile Creek Queenstown 0.06 1924 1966 Otago Central Electric Power Board It was stopped but later fixed up as a historical display.
Horahora east of Cambridge, Waikato 10.3 1913 1947 State Hydro Department It was covered by water when Lake Karapiro was made.
Reefton Reefton, West Coast <1 1888 1949 Grey Electric Power Board This plant was taken apart.
Wye Creek Otago-Southland 1.3 1936 2008 Pioneer Energy It was put on hold after a part broke.
Havelock North Maraetotara Valley 0.18 1922 1941 Hawke’s Bay Electric Power Board The dam is now a popular swimming spot. It stopped working after being hit by lightning.

Historical Hydroelectric Power Stations

Some old power stations are kept because they are important to history.

Name Location Output Started Operator Purpose Notes
Mokopeka Maraetotara Valley, Hawke's Bay 8KW 1891 John Chambers For farming tools, heating, and cooking This is thought to be the oldest working hydroelectric power station in the world. It is run by volunteers and was never connected to the main power grid.

Fossil-Fuel Thermal Power Stations

These power stations burn fossil fuels like coal, gas, or diesel to make electricity.

Name Location Type Capacity (MW) Started Closed/Stopped Operator
Auckland Hospital Auckland Gas/diesel cogeneration 3.6 2005 Auckland DHB / Pioneer Energy
Bream Bay Whangarei Diesel engine 9 2011 Manawa Energy
Edgecumbe Whakatane Gas cogeneration 10 1996 Nova Energy
Glenbrook Auckland Coal/gas waste heat 112 1997 Alinta
Junction Road Taranaki Gas 100 2020 Nova Energy
Huntly 1,2, & 4 Waikato Coal/gas steam turbine 750 1983 Genesis Energy
Huntly 3 Waikato Coal/gas steam turbine 250 1983 2012 Genesis Energy
Huntly 5 Waikato Gas combined-cycle 385 2007 Genesis Energy
Huntly 6 Waikato Gas/diesel open-cycle 48 2004 Genesis Energy
Kapuni South Taranaki Gas combined-cycle cogeneration 25 1998 Vector / Bay of Plenty Energy
Kinleith South Waikato Wood/gas cogeneration 40 1998 Genesis Energy
Mangahewa New Plymouth Gas 9.0 2008 Nova Energy
McKee (recip) New Plymouth Gas reciprocating 2.0 2008 Nova Energy
McKee (turbine) New Plymouth Gas open-cycle 100 2013 Todd Generation
QE2 Park Christchurch Diesel engine 4 2011-2012 Orion New Zealand
Stratford CC Stratford Gas combined-cycle 377 1998 Contact Energy
Stratford peaker Stratford Gas open-cycle 200 2010 Contact Energy
Wellington Hospital Wellington Gas/oil cogeneration 8 1981 Capital & Coast DHB / Vector / Meridian Energy
Whareroa South Taranaki Gas combined-cycle cogeneration 68 1996 Fonterra / Todd Energy
Whirinaki Hastings Diesel open-cycle 155 2004 Contact Energy

Wind Power Stations

Wind power stations use large turbines to capture the energy from wind and turn it into electricity.

Name Location Number of Turbines Capacity (MW) Started Operator
Awhitu Waikato 1 1 2020 Private developer
Brooklyn Wind Turbine (new) Wellington 1 0.9 2016 Meridian Energy
Chatham Islands Wind Farm Chatham Islands 2 0.46 2010 CBD Energy / Chatham Islands Enterprise Trust
Flat Hill near Bluff, Southland 8 6.8 2015 Pioneer Generation
Gebbies Pass Christchurch 1 0.5 2003 Windflow Technology
Harapaki Wind Farm Hawkes Bay 41 176 2024 Meridian Energy
Hau Nui South Wairarapa 15 8.7 1996, 2004 Genesis Energy
Horseshoe Bend Central Otago 3 2.3 2009 Pioneer Energy
Kaiwera Downs - Stage 1 south-east of Gore, Southland 10 43 2023 Mercury Energy
Lulworth Marlborough 4 1.0 2011 Energy 3
Mahinerangi Dunedin 12 36 2011 Mercury Energy
Mill Creek Wellington 26 60 2014 Meridian Energy
Mt Stuart Clutha 9 7.7 December 2011 Pioneer Energy
Southbridge Selwyn 1 0.1 2005 Energy 3
Tararua Palmerston North / Tararua 134 161 1999, 2004, 2007 Mercury Energy
Te Āpiti Palmerston North / Tararua 55 91 2004 Meridian Energy
Te Rere Hau Palmerston North / Tararua 97 48.5 2006, 2009, 2011 New Zealand Windfarms
Te Uku Waikato 28 64.4 2011 Meridian Energy / WEL Networks
Turitea Palmerston North / Turitea 60 222 2021 (stage 1), 2023 (stage 2) Mercury Energy
Waipipi South Taranaki 31 133 2021 Mercury Energy
Weld Cone Marlborough 3 0.8 2010 Energy 3
West Wind Wellington 62 143 2009 Meridian Energy
White Hill Southland 29 58 2007 Meridian Energy

Solar Power Stations

Solar power stations use sunlight to create electricity, usually with large panels.

Name Location Capacity (MW) Started Operator
Wairau Valley Solar Farm Marlborough 2 2021 Kea Energy
Kapuni Solar Plant South Taranaki 2.1 2021 Sunergise
Kaitaia Solar Farm Northland 23 Began 2023 Lodestone Energy
Te Ihi o te Ra Solar Farm Gisborne 5.2 2023 Eastland Generation
Rangitaiki Edgecumbe 32 2024 Lodestone Energy
New Plymouth Airport Solar Farm New Plymouth 10 2025 Lodestone Energy
Lauriston Solar Farm Canterbury 47 2025 Genesis Energy Limited FRV Services
Te Herenga o Te Ra Edgecumbe 33 2025 Lodestone Energy

Grid Battery Storage

These are large batteries that store electricity. They can release power quickly when needed, helping to keep the electricity grid stable.

Name Location Type Capacity (MW/MWh) Started Operator
Glen Innes Auckland Tesla Powerpack 1.0/2.3 2016 Vector
Hobsonville Point Auckland Tesla Powerpack 1.0/2.3 2018 Vector
Rotohiko Waikato Saft (company) 35/33 2023 WEL Networks
Ruakākā Energy Park Northland Saft (company) 100/200 2025 Meridian Energy
Snells Beach Auckland 2.75/6.7 2018 Vector
Warkworth South Auckland 2.0/4.8 2018 Vector
Whangamata (CBD standby power) Thames-Coromandel 2.0/2.0 2020 Powerco

Future Power Stations

New Zealand is always planning and building new power stations to meet its energy needs and move towards more renewable energy. Here are some projects that are being built or planned.

Name Location Type Planned Capacity (MW) Operator Status Notes
Awhitu near Waiuku, Auckland Wind 15 Private operator 2MW is being built
Castle Hill northeast of Masterton Wind 300 Genesis Energy Limited Approved, seeking more time
Edgecumbe Solar Farm Edgecumbe Solar 38 Far North Solar Farms Approved
Edgecumbe Solar Farm Genesis Edgecumbe Solar 114 Genesis Energy Limited Acquired from Helios. Decision expected mid-2025.
Foxton Solar Farm Foxton Solar 42 Far North Solar Farms Approved
Huriwaka (prev. Central Wind)(Moawhango) between Taihape and Waiouru Wind 230 Manawa Energy New approvals are being sought.
Te Mihi Stage 2 Taupō Geothermal 101 Contact Energy Being built. Expected to start in late 2027. This will partly replace older Wairakei A & B power stations.
Te Mihi Stage 3 Taupō Geothermal 100 Contact Energy Planned This will fully replace the older Wairakei A & B power stations.
Glenbrook Battery Glenbrook Battery 100 Contact Energy Being built. Expected to start in early 2026.
Huntly Battery Huntly Battery 100 Genesis Energy Limited Expected to start in early 2027.
Huntly Wind Farm Huntly Wind 200-300 Mercury Energy In design
Kaimai Wind Farm northern Kaimai Range Wind 168 Ventus Energy Applied for approval
Kaiwaikawe Dargaville Wind 74 Mercury Energy Being built. First power expected mid-2026.
Kawerau TOPP2 Kawerau Geothermal 50 Eastland Being built. First power expected late 2025. Joint project between Eastland and Ormat.
Kaiwera Downs Stage 2 south-east of Gore, Southland Wind 155 Mercury Energy Being built. First power expected mid-2026, finished mid-2027.
Kowhai Park Solar Farm Christchurch Solar 168 Contact, Lightsource BP Being built. Expected to start in mid-2026.
Lodestone One Dargaville Solar 80 Lodestone Energy Approved
Pāmu Rā ki Whitianga Whitianga Solar 34 Lodestone Energy Being built. Expected to start late 2025.
Manawatu Battery Manawatu Battery 100 Meridian Energy Applied for approval
Mahinerangi stage 2 Lake Mahinerangi, west of Dunedin Wind 138 Mercury Energy Approved. Decision expected in 2027.
Marsden Point Northland Solar 26.7 Refining NZ
Mount Munro Eketahuna Wind 90 Meridian Energy Approved
Rangiriri Waikato Solar 146 Island Green Power In development
Ruakākā Solar Farm Northland Solar 120 Meridian Energy Being built
Mount Cass Canterbury Wind 93 MainPower Approved
Ngakawau West Coast Hydro 24 Hydro Developments Approvals expire in 2026
Ngatamariki OEC5 Taupō Geothermal 46 Mercury Energy Approved. Building starts early 2024, first power late 2025.
Ngawha OEC5 Kaikohe Geothermal 32 Top Energy Approved
Pukenui Te Aupōuri peninsula Solar 22 Far North Solar Farm Being built
Puketoi Manawatu Wind 228 Mercury Energy Approvals expire 2031. Decision expected mid-2027.
Rakaia River Canterbury Hydro 16 Ashburton Community Water Trust Approved
Te Rāhui Taupō Solar 400 Nova Energy Approved
Stratford Battery Stratford, Taranaki Battery 100 Contact Energy Approved
Swannanoa Christchurch Solar 200 Meridian Energy Seeking approval
Taheke Okere Falls, Rotoiti Geothermal 35 Eastland Approved
Taumatatotara 10 km south of Taharoa Wind 92 Ventus Energy Approved for stage 1 (seeking changes for stage 2).
Te Rere Hau Wind Farm re-power Palmerston North / Tararua Wind 126 NZ Windfarms-Meridian Will replace old turbines with new ones to increase power to 126 MW.
Tararua Wind Farm re-power Palmerston North / Tararua Wind 60MW uplift to 221MW Mercury Energy Will replace turbines to add 60MW, planned around 2030.
Tuahei Te Aroha Solar 150 First Renewables Harmony Energy Being built, first power expected 2026.
Waikato Solar Waikato Solar 100 Meridian Energy In design
Waitahe Solar Farm Waiotahe Solar 81 Far North Solar Farms Approved
Waiinu Energy Park Taranaki Wind/Solar/Battery 350 Wind, 550 Solar Meridian Seeking fast approval
Waerenga Waikato Solar 190 Island Green Power In development
Western Bay Solar Project Kuratau Solar 500 Meridian Seeking fast approval
Whakamaru Battery Whakamaru Battery 150 Mercury Energy Early design stage

See also

  • Energy in New Zealand
  • Electricity sector in New Zealand
  • List of New Zealand spans
  • New Zealand electricity market
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